Football
2026 World Cup: Nigeria’s Dramatic Qualification Chase Mirrors A Nollywood Blockbuster
By Anthony Nlebem
Nigeria’s journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has taken on the twists, turns and suspense of a Nollywood movie, following a series of dramatic results, heartbreak and fresh controversy that have unexpectedly revived the Super Eagles’ hopes.
A Flying Start and a Second Lifeline
The script began with high energy as Victor Osimhen demonstrated remarkable form, leading the Super Eagles to a 4-0 defeat of the Benin Republic in Uyo. Despite the win, Nigeria finished second in Group C with 17 points, just one behind South Africa, who sealed automatic qualification. This runner-up finish handed Nigeria a second lifeline: a spot in the CAF play-offs after missing out on direct qualification
CAF play-offs: Hope and heartbreak
Having emerged as one of the four best runners-up in the African qualifiers, the Super Eagles advanced to the CAF play-off tournament alongside Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) and Gabon.
Nigeria’s hopes received a major boost in Rabat as Osimhen’s brace inspired a convincing 4-1 extra-time victory over Gabon in the semi-final, keeping their World Cup dream alive and setting up a decisive final against DR Congo for a place in the Intercontinental Play-Offs.
However, heartbreak followed as Nigeria’s second lifeline was extinguished after a dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo in the CAF play-off final. The result sparked disappointment across the country, with many Nigerians resigned to the reality that the national flag would not fly at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Fresh twist: DR Congo eligibility claims
Just as Nigeria appeared to be closing the chapter on their 2026 World Cup campaign, a fresh twist emerged. Reports surfaced alleging that DR Congo may have fielded ineligible players during the CAF play-off final, potentially opening the door for Nigeria to receive a third lifeline.
According to the reports, six DR Congo players who switched nationality allegedly failed to complete the required eligibility process, including formally renouncing their previous citizenships. DR Congo does not recognise dual nationality, making the allegations particularly serious.
Further claims suggest that some players involved were over the age of 21 while still holding foreign passports, potentially breaching FIFA eligibility regulations.
Reacting swiftly, the NFF submitted a formal petition to FIFA, challenging the eligibility of the DR Congo players fielded in the decisive play-off encounter.
NFF Secretary General, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, confirmed the petition, insisting that FIFA may have been misled during the clearance process.
“The Congolese rules say you cannot have dual citizenship. Some of the players have European passports. The rules are very clear, and we have submitted our petition,” Sanusi said.
He explained that FIFA’s approval was based on documentation provided by DR Congo, but alleged that the process may have been fraudulent.
“Our concern is that FIFA was deceived into clearing them. FIFA goes by its own regulations based on documents submitted. What we are saying is that the process was fraudulent,” Sanusi added.
DR Congo fires back
In response, the DR Congo Football Federation warned Nigeria against attempting to qualify through what it described as “the back door”.
“If you can’t win on the pitch, don’t try to win from the back door. The World Cup must be played with dignity and confidence, not legal tricks,” the federation said.
The Malaysia Precedent: A Glimmer of Hope
Nigeria’s optimism has been further fuelled by a landmark FIFA decision on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. FIFA overturned the results of three Malaysia matches after finding they had fielded ineligible players using forged documents. This precedent, resulting in 3-0 forfeits, has strengthened the belief that FIFA will take a hard line if the allegations against DR Congo are proven.
Final roll of the dice
Should Nigeria’s appeal succeed, the Super Eagles would advance to the six-team Intercontinental Play-Off in March 2026.
The Intercontinental Play-Off will determine the final two slots for the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, offering Nigeria a dramatic and unexpected final chance to qualify for a seventh World Cup appearance.
*Anthony Nlebem is the Head of Sports at BusinessDay Media, a seasoned Digital Content Producer, and FIFA/CAF Accredited Journalist with over a decade of sports reporting.
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