“We Have Not Received Any Formal Communication from FIFA” — NFF Dismisses Claims Nigeria’s World Cup Hopes Are Over

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has rejected reports suggesting that the Super Eagles have lost their chance to qualify for the next FIFA World Cup, stating that no official ruling has been communicated by FIFA.

NFF Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire, said the federation has not received any formal update from the global football body and therefore cannot confirm the claims circulating in the media.

“The NFF has not received any formal communication from FIFA whatsoever. No information can be shared with journalists without first coming to the federations involved,” Olajire said in an interview with Punch.

He added that the federation remains in a waiting position as it expects FIFA to conclude its review and formally communicate its decision.

“We are still expecting formal communication from FIFA. Let those posting the old quotes continue posting them,” he said.

The clarification followed reports claiming that Democratic Republic of the Congo had already been confirmed as Africa’s representative in the inter-confederation play-off tournament, effectively ending Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the World Cup.

Those reports referenced a FIFA statement which read: “All of the six teams have now been decided, with Bolivia, Congo DR, Iraq, Jamaica, New Caledonia and Suriname confirmed as qualifiers.”

However, the statement was originally published by FIFA on November 18, 2025, before Nigeria submitted its complaint. The announcement referred to the qualification process as it stood at that time and did not address the eligibility challenge later filed by the NFF.

The Nigerian federation lodged its petition with FIFA on December 15, 2025, raising concerns about the eligibility of six players who represented the Democratic Republic of the Congo. According to the NFF, the players had recently switched international allegiance and were not eligible to feature at the time of the match.

Nigeria’s protest followed a setback in November 2025, when the Super Eagles lost 4–3 on penalties to DR Congo in the final African play-off.

FIFA has confirmed that the case remains under review but has not indicated when a final decision will be announced. The delay has increased uncertainty as the inter-confederation play-offs draw closer.