FIFA has officially dismissed Nigeria’s appeal challenging the eligibility of a DR Congo player in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, dealing a major blow to the Super Eagles’ qualification hopes.

The world football governing body ruled that the protest did not meet the requirements for overturning the match result, thereby upholding the original outcome of the fixture. With this decision, Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup through an administrative ruling have been effectively extinguished.

The ruling means the points and result from the match remain unchanged, further complicating Nigeria’s path in the qualification campaign and placing increased pressure on the Super Eagles’ remaining fixtures.

More details are expected as the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) reacts to FIFA’s decision.