Nigeria, Dec. 16 -- Nigeria's hopes of a late return to the race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been unexpectedly revived following a formal complaint by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over the eligibility of players fielded by DR Congo during the African play-offs.

The NFF confirmed it has opened a case challenging DR Congo's use of several players in the decisive play-off clash that knocked the Super Eagles out of contention in November.

Nigeria lost 4-3 on penalties in Morocco, a defeat that appeared to seal a second consecutive World Cup absence after missing Qatar 2022.

That outcome may no longer be final.

DR Congo, who advanced from the African play-offs, were recently handed a bye into the final of the FIFA intercontin...