Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup through the inter-confederation play-offs have been dashed after FIFA confirmed the final line-up for the tournament, naming DR Congo as Africa’s representative.
The decision was disclosed in an accreditation notice circulated to the media on Wednesday, in which the world football governing body outlined the tournament format and listed the six participating nations.
DR Congo’s inclusion effectively shuts the door on the Super Eagles, whose place had been uncertain following a dispute over the outcome of the CAF play-off tie between the two sides in November 2025.
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The Nigeria Football Federation had lodged a formal protest with football authorities, alleging that DR Congo fielded ineligible players during the decisive encounter.
That match ended 1–1 after regulation time before DR Congo secured victory through a penalty shoot-out.
With FIFA’s latest confirmation of the tournament line-up, Nigeria’s challenge appears to have failed to alter the outcome, leaving DR Congo to represent Africa in the inter-confederation play-offs.