Super Eagles’ hopes of participating at the FIFA Intercontinental Playoff to qualify for the 2026 World Cup have been extinguished following FIFA’s confirmation for DR Congo as Africa’s representatives for football event.
FIFA officially named DR Congo as part of the six Nations to jostle for a supplementary ticket, naming the East African country for tournament alongside Bolivia, DR Congo, Iraq, Jamaica, New Caledonia and Suriname.
The confirmation follows a protest by the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, which challenged the Leopards penalty shootout win against the Super Eagles over eligibility of some DR Congo players to feature in the match, requesting that the world football governing body get the result overturned.
However, FIFA’s latest communication on Wednesday made no reference to any amendment to the qualified teams, indicating that the original outcome stands and that Nigeria’s appeal was jettisoned.
In an issued statement, the body disclosed that the DR Congo, as scheduled, will now go ahead to play New Caledonia in the semi final, hoping to reach the final which will guarantee them a place at the mundial football competition.
The tourney will be held on March 26th and 31st of March in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
