While lovers across the world prepare to celebrate Valentine’s Day, Nigerian football fans may also have a major reason to smile, as reliable sources indicate that FIFA could deliver its verdict on Nigeria’s eligibility petition on February 14, with optimism firmly on the Super Eagles’ side.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has expressed strong confidence that the Super Eagles will still feature at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, pending FIFA’s decision in the eligibility dispute involving the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The federation insists its case is solid and fully backed by FIFA regulations.
Speaking on Brila FM, NFF Secretary General, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, had reaffirmed the federation’s belief in the strength of the petition, stressing that the NFF would not pursue a case it was unsure of winning.
“We have a good case. We don’t venture into what we know is an exercise in futility,” Sanusi stated.
Nigeria had earlier petitioned FIFA over allegations that DR Congo fielded foreign-born players who failed to properly surrender their previous passports or complete the required nationality switch procedures during their World Cup playoff clash.
That encounter, held in Morocco in November, ended in a 4–3 penalty shootout defeat for Nigeria, seemingly ending the Super Eagles’ World Cup hopes.
However, the NFF maintains that the petition is watertight, and sources close to the matter suggest FIFA’s ruling, expected around Valentine’s Day, could favour Nigeria due to the solid documentation and regulatory backing of the case.
As the football world waits, Valentine’s Day could bring more than romance for Nigerians, potentially delivering a sweet outcome that keeps the Super Eagles’ 2026 World Cup dream alive.
