ABUJA, NIGERIA — The road to the 2026 World Cup has moved from the pitch to the boardroom as the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) awaits a make-or-break verdict from FIFA.

Despite rumors flooding social media, the world football governing body has yet to officially announce its decision regarding Nigeria’s petition to disqualify DR Congo for allegedly fielding ineligible players during their playoff clash last November.

Nigeria’s protest centers on the 4-3 penalty shootout loss in Rabat, Morocco. The NFF claims the Central Africans fielded stars—including former Manchester United defenders Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe—who may have been ineligible under DR Congo’s own constitution regarding dual nationality.

While a FIFA Ethics Committee meeting took place on Monday, February 16, the football world remains in the dark.

“There is no decision from FIFA at this moment,” clarified NFF Director of Communication, Dr. Ademola Olajire. “Any claims that a ruling has been made are false and misleading.”

A top football source suggests that while the Ethics Committee has reached a conclusion, only the FIFA Executive Council, led by Gianni Infantino, can authorize the announcement.

If an emergency meeting is called today, Nigerians could wake up to news of a dramatic World Cup comeback—or a final closing of the door.