World football’s governing body, FIFA, is set to deliver a crucial verdict on Monday in a case that could significantly reshape Nigeria’s path to the 2026 World Cup.

At the heart of the controversy is a formal petition filed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) against the Democratic Republic of Congo Football Association over the alleged fielding of six ineligible players during last year’s African play-offs.

Nigeria were eliminated on penalties in Morocco, a result that appeared to end their qualification hopes. However, the NFF maintains that the matter remains unresolved.

“We believe that we have a chance; that is why we petitioned. If we knew we didn’t have a chance, we wouldn’t have petitioned,” NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi said, emphasizing that Nigeria adhered strictly to due process in submitting the necessary documentation and legal arguments.

The dispute centres on FIFA’s regulations governing nationality switches. Under existing rules, a player is permitted to change international allegiance only once and must complete a formal approval process before representing another country.

Nigeria’s claim, reportedly supported by material cited by BBC Sport, alleges that the Congolese FA misrepresented key information concerning the eligibility status of the players involved, particularly in light of DR Congo’s domestic prohibition of dual citizenship.

The case has drawn broader attention due to the reported involvement of Véron Mosengo-Omba, General Secretary of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), who is said to have close ties to Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA. Both federations are reportedly prepared to escalate the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) should the ruling prove contentious.

If Nigeria’s protest is upheld, the Super Eagles would be reinstated into the intercontinental play-offs scheduled to hold in Mexico later this month. They would face the winner of the Jamaica versus New Caledonia tie for one of the final qualification spots at the 2026 tournament to be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, acknowledged that Monday’s ruling may not necessarily mark the end of the legal battle.

“It requires a lot of things, and by the time it is finally decided, whether Nigeria wins or DR Congo wins, I believe the case might even go to the Court of Arbitration for Sport,” Dikko stated.