latest 2026 FIFA World Cup story involving Nigeria and the DR Congo eligibility controversy  what’s happened, why Nigeria’s hopes have been reignited, and what comes next: (Businessday NG)

How Nigeria’s World Cup Hopes Fell Apart (and Why They’re Still Alive)

Nigeria’s Super Eagles saw their direct path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup end in November 2025  after DR Congo beat them in a dramatic CAF playoff final via a penalty shootout.

The tie finished 1–1 after extra time, but DR Congo held their nerve to win 4–3 in penalties, sending them forward to the intercontinental playoffs where six teams will compete for two final World Cup spots. (Information Nigeria)

That defeat was the culmination of a long and difficult qualifying campaign for Nigeria.

They had beaten Gabon convincingly in the last round to reach the playoff final, but ultimately came up short at the final hurdle.

What seemed like the end of their World Cup ambitions suddenly took a twist days later. (African Insider)

In recent days, reports have emerged claiming that DR Congo fielded one or more ineligible players during their qualification matches a situation that could, if upheld, lead to sanctions or even expulsion from the 2026 competition.

Those reports, which have circulated widely in Nigerian and African football media, have sparked fresh hope among fans and officials that the Super Eagles could be reinstated or benefit from a forfeit decision. (Businessday NG)

FIFA has reportedly opened an investigation into the eligibility claims, although details of the exact nature of the alleged breaches have not been fully disclosed.

If the governing body finds that DR Congo knowingly or accidentally broke player eligibility rules, the repercussions could be significant  potentially including match forfeits or disqualification. (Mozzart Sport)

What “Ineligibility” Means in World Cup Qualifiers

In FIFA and CAF (Confederation of African Football) competitions, a player can be deemed ineligible for a number of reasons:

• Not properly registered for senior international competition

• Already capped at senior level by another country in official competition

• Breach of nationality or passport requirements

• Incorrect documentation when substituted or rostered

If a team fields a player who doesn’t meet these criteria, it can face sanctions ranging from fines to the forfeiture of matches.

In the most extreme cases such as when a national side uses a player ineligible under FIFA rules entire results can be nullified and points awarded to the opposing team. (Mozzart Sport)

The current claim around DR Congo suggests just such a scenario  although no official FIFA decision has yet been published, and the investigation is understood to be ongoing. (Businessday NG)

The Impact of a Potential Ruling

Should FIFA determine that DR Congo’s use of the disputed player(s) was illegal under the competition’s regulations, several outcomes are possible:

1. Matches Could Be Forfeited

FIFA could award Nigeria (and other opponents) 3–0 victories for matches where ineligible players were fielded.

That would dramatically alter the qualifying table and potentially reinstate Nigeria’s claim for a World Cup playoff or even direct qualification  depending on which game(s) are affected.

2. DR Congo Could Be Disqualified

If it’s judged that DR Congo repeatedly or egregiously broke the rules, FIFA could disqualify them from the playoffs altogether  a more severe but not unprecedented outcome in international football.

3. Replay or Administrative Decisions

In some cases, FIFA has ordered replays or adjusted how tiebreakers are applied.

However, given how late we are in the qualifying cycle and the scheduling of playoffs, administrative solutions like point adjustments or forfeits are more likely. (Mozzart Sport)

As of now, the specifics of the alleged infraction  including which player(s) are at issue and the matches involved  have not been publicly confirmed by FIFA or CAF.

Analysts and fans are watching closely for formal communication from the authorities. (Businessday NG)

Nigeria’s Broader Qualification Context

Nigeria’s journey to the 2026 World Cup has been bumpy.

In Group C action earlier in qualifying, the Super Eagles failed to secure the top spot which would have granted automatic qualification and instead finished as one of the best runners-up, leading to a playoff slot. (Yahoo Sports UK)

Before the controversy over DR Congo’s eligibility emerged, Nigeria’s hopes had also been buoyed by other eligibility rulings in the region:

• South Africa’s Bafana Bafana were docked points by FIFA earlier in the year after fielding an ineligible player, a decision that briefly improved Nigeria’s standing in Group C. (Trending News)

Still, despite these twists, Nigeria ultimately fell short on the pitch in the playoff final  a heartbreaking loss for a nation with rich football tradition and high expectations. (Information Nigeria)

Fans, Officials, and the Next Steps

The reaction among Nigerian supporters and officials has been intense.

Many see the eligibility claims as a potential second chance after the heartache of losing on penalties.

Social media and fan outlets have buzzed with debate, speculation, and calls for FIFA to act swiftly and transparently. (Businessday NG)

For Nigeria’s football federation (the NFF) and CAF, the priority is to await FIFA’s formal investigation results. If an official complaint has indeed been lodged and if FIFA confirms the eligibility breach  the clock will tick quickly:

• the intercontinental playoffs involving DR Congo are expected in March 2026, giving little time for resolution before fixtures are scheduled. (Mozzart Sport)

Whether Nigeria returns to the qualification process or not ultimately hinges on FIFA’s ruling  but for now, the possibility of a lifeline has revived what seemed like a closed chapter on the Super Eagles’ 2026 campaign.

Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup hopes appeared dashed after their penalty shootout loss to DR Congo in the African playoffs.

However, recent claims of DR Congo fielding ineligible players and FIFA’s reported investigation into these claims have breathed fresh life into the Super Eagles’ quest.

The coming weeks will be crucial: a FIFA decision could dramatically alter Africa’s qualifying landscape and potentially reinstate Nigeria in the race for a World Cup spot.

If the ruling goes Nigeria’s way, it could become one of the most dramatic qualification turnarounds in African football history.

But until FIFA makes its investigation findings public, fans will watch and wait. (Businessday NG)