Wilfred Ndidi has demanded answers from FIFA over the governing body’s extended silence on Nigeria’s petition against DR Congo, warning that the delay risks compromising the integrity of the World Cup qualification process.
The Super Eagles captain broke his public silence on the dispute, expressing frustration that football’s world governing body has yet to rule on a complaint filed more than three months ago.
“Everyone wants clarity,” Ndidi said. “FIFA can’t be silent because this is a serious case. Even if they believe we can’t win, they should at least come out with their verdict”.
Nigeria lodged its formal protest on December 15, 2025, after losing 4-3 on penalties to DR Congo in the African play-off final in Rabat. The defeat ended the Super Eagles’ hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup.
The Nigeria Football Federation alleges that DR Congo fielded ineligible players, including former England youth internationals Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe. Congolese law prohibits dual citizenship for adults.
NFF general secretary Mohammed Sanusi has maintained that FIFA was “deceived into clearing them”. The federation argues that players holding European passports should not have represented the Leopards.
DR Congo has dismissed the protest as an attempt to “win via the back door”. The Congolese FA insists FIFA’s eligibility rules, not domestic citizenship law, govern player clearance.
FIFA confirmed it is reviewing the matter but has provided no timeline for a verdict. The governing body’s 2025 annual report, released in February, made no mention of the Nigeria-DR Congo case.
Several reports say…
Several Nigerian outlets reported on February 17 that FIFA had dismissed the petition, citing anonymous sources. Those reports claimed the governing body had communicated a decision behind closed doors.
NFF officials immediately refuted the claims. Communications director Ademola Olajire stated that “any claims that a ruling has been made are false”. FIFA has not communicated any verdict to either federation.
National Sports Commission chairman Shehu Dikko confirmed on February 19 that no decision had been reached. “World Cup is a closed chapter for us competitively, but the legal matter is pending,” he said.
DR Congo now awaits an intercontinental play-off later this month against either Jamaica or New Caledonia. The winner will qualify for the 48-team tournament in North America.
The 2026 World Cup begins on June 11 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. DR Congo’s play-off opponent will be determined this month, with the tie scheduled before the end of March.
For Ndidi and his teammates, the situation remains beyond their control. “As players, our job is to stay ready, stay united, and keep working hard,” he said. “Whatever the outcome, we will continue to give our all for the country.”
FIFA now faces mounting pressure to break its silence. With the World Cup just three months away, the governing body must decide whether to uphold the result on the pitch or intervene through its disciplinary process.
