FIFA on Wednesday confirmed the final line-up for the inter-confederation play-off tournament, naming DR Congo as Africa’s representative.
The development by the footballing body has dashed Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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In an accreditation notice circulated to journalists ahead of the competition, FIFA detailed the tournament format and listed the six participating nations
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DR Congo’s inclusion leaves no room for Nigeria, whose football federation had challenged the result of their defeat in the CAF play-offs in November 2025.
The Nigeria Football Federation lodged a formal protest, alleging that DR Congo fielded ineligible players during the decisive tie, which ended 1-1 and went to penalties, where Nigeria lost.
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The appeal sought to overturn the result and secure the Super Eagles’ place in the inter-continental play-offs.
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