Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has said the national team will continue to stay focused and prepared to represent Nigeria with pride despite the uncertainty surrounding their possible participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup intercontinental play-off.
Nigeria narrowly missed out on automatic qualification for the 2026 tournament, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. The team also failed to secure a spot through the African play-off after losing 4–3 on penalties to DR Congo in the final last November.
However, the Super Eagles may still have a chance to compete in the intercontinental play-off following a petition submitted by the Nigeria Football Federation challenging DR Congo’s qualification. The federation alleged that some Congolese players improperly switched nationality before representing the country.
The petition has been under review by FIFA since December 2025, but a final decision has yet to be announced, even as the play-off tournament is less than three weeks away.
Speaking on the situation, Ndidi said the players are choosing to focus on preparation while leaving the administrative matters to the relevant authorities.
“To be honest, I don’t really focus on things I cannot control. We just concentrate on our football and prepare ourselves the best way possible,” the Super Eagles captain said.
“Of course, everyone wants clarity, but we trust the Nigeria Football Federation and the authorities to handle everything properly.
“As players, our job is to stay ready, stay united, and keep working hard. Nigerian fans always expect the best from us, and we respect that. Whatever the outcome, we will continue to give everything for the country and make Nigeria proud.”
The intercontinental play-off is scheduled to take place between March 26 and March 31 in Guadalajara and Monterrey, Mexico. Six countries will compete in the mini-tournament for the final two qualification spots for the expanded 2026 World Cup.
DR Congo are currently set to face the winner of the match between Jamaica and New Caledonia for a place at the tournament. However, the fixtures could change if FIFA rules in Nigeria’s favour.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation has arranged a four-nation tournament for the Super Eagles during the March international break. Nigeria are expected to play Iran on March 27 and face Jordan on March 31 in Amman.
Both fixtures fall within the same period as the intercontinental play-off, creating uncertainty about whether the friendly tournament will go ahead as planned.
There are also concerns that tensions in the Middle East could affect the scheduled matches.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico and will be the first edition of the tournament to feature 48 teams.
