Nigeria’s Super Eagles faced heartbreak in their quest for the 2026 World Cup after losing to DR Congo in a dramatic playoff. The two-leg tie ended 1-1, with DR Congo edging Nigeria 4-3 on penalties. That defeat meant Nigeria missed out on a direct path to the intercontinental playoffs , the final route to the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Despite the setback, hope hasn’t disappeared for fans. Past incidents where teams were penalized for fielding ineligible players have kept the belief alive that off-field appeals can sometimes change on-field outcomes. Many Nigerians are holding on to the possibility that a similar scenario could unfold for the Super Eagles.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) quickly filed a formal protest with FIFA, claiming some DR Congo players might not have met eligibility rules. If successful, this could potentially give Nigeria a reprieve and allow the team another shot at the intercontinental playoffs.
However, the NFF has clarified that no decision has been made yet. Rumors of an automatic reinstatement were officially debunked, leaving fans in suspense while FIFA reviews the appeal. Optimism remains, but nothing is guaranteed.
If FIFA rules in Nigeria’s favor, the Super Eagles could still make it to the World Cup. But overturning results is rare and requires clear evidence, meaning the team’s fate is still very much up in the air. Meanwhile, fans continue to watch, hope, and debate every update.
Even as the protest continues, attention is slowly shifting to future competitions like the Africa Cup of Nations, giving the Super Eagles a chance to regroup, rebuild, and prepare for the next challenges. For now, Nigerians hold onto a slim but real chance that their 2026 World Cup dream might not be over yet.
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