Football’s central role in Nigerian life has become evident over the last three days, with citizens from all walks of life anxiously watching developments around the Super Eagles’ chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals.
As at 4.30am on Wednesday, it was observed that many Nigerians were anxiously waiting to get the verdict of FIFA on a protest filed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) against the DR Congo Football Federation over the 2026 World Cup qualifying play-off.
The match ended in favour of DR Congo on penalties last year, but the NFF wrote FIFA challenging the fielding of players with dual passports without renouncing the nationality of one, which is against the law in Congo.
Though FIFA cleared the players, the NFF argued they were yet to renounce their nationality from their respective former countries.
Monday had been widely anticipated in football circles as “decision day,” but it ended in confusion, with conflicting and fake reports flooding social media platforms and some online outlets.
Throughout the day, unverified claims swung both ways, with some reports suggesting Nigeria had won the case and would be reinstated, while others alleged that FIFA had dismissed the protest.
It was learnt FIFA has taken its decision on the matter, but passed it to the Council comprising Member bodies to ratify.
It was again expected the outcome will be made public on Tuesday, but it did not happen as football lovers waited anxiously to know the fate of the Super Eagles.
Early on Wednesday, it was learnt that some staff members of the NFF were also detailed to be on the alert for possible enquiry from the world football body or the eventual verdict.
An official of the NFF told The Eagle Online at 4am on Wednesday said “They could send us a mail to ask further questions or communicate the verdict to us.
“That was why the NFF came out on Monday to debunk various reports.
“The verdict will be sent to us as well and we are waiting like many other Nigerians.”
Just as the NFF was keeping vigil, fans and journalists were doing the same together with many stakeholders of Nigerian football all over the world.
As at 5am on Wednesday, no official statement had been issued by FIFA.
The waiting game and the vigil continues.
A favourable result for Nigeria is not an automatic ticket to the mundial.
Rather, it will qualify the Eagles for the final playoffs.
The intercontinental play-off is slated to begin on March 26, 2026 and end on March 31, 2026 in Mexico.
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