Everything felt pretty bleak for Nigeria football just a few months ago. If you follow the Super Eagles, you know the drill: the heartbreak of missing out on the 2026 World Cup felt like a repeat of the Qatar 2022 nightmare. We watched the team stumble in the qualifiers, eventually losing a gut-wrenching penalty shootout to DR Congo in the play-offs. It was supposed to be over. Done.
But football in this country is never that simple.
As we hit mid-January 2026, the vibe has shifted completely. While the team is currently tearing it up in Morocco for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)—which was pushed to this window—there is this massive, lingering story in the background. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has gone to FIFA with a legal challenge that could, theoretically, put Nigeria back in the World Cup conversation. It sounds like a long shot, but in the world of international eligibility, weird things happen.
The DR Congo Dispute: A Legal Hail Mary?
The big news about nigeria football right now isn't just about what's happening on the pitch; it’s about what’s happening in the courtroom. The NFF has filed a formal petition against DR Congo regarding the eligibility of several players used in that decisive play-off.
The crux of the argument? Dual citizenship.
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Specifically, the NFF is looking at players like Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe. The argument being pushed by NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi is that while FIFA might have cleared these players because they hold Congolese passports, the DR Congo constitution technically doesn't recognize dual nationality. The NFF is essentially calling "fraud," claiming FIFA was deceived during the clearance process.
Is it a "bad loser" move? That’s what the Congolese Football Federation (Fecofa) is saying. They’ve told Nigeria to "play with dignity" instead of using "lawyer tricks." But for Nigerian fans, it's a glimmer of hope. FIFA hasn’t thrown the case out yet, and as long as it's under review, that 2026 World Cup door isn't 100% locked.
Eric Chelle and the AFCON Redemption
While the lawyers argue, Eric Chelle is busy becoming a hero. Honestly, when he was appointed in early 2025, people were skeptical. He took over a sinking ship after the World Cup qualifiers went south. But look at them now.
The Super Eagles are currently in the AFCON semi-finals, set to face the hosts, Morocco, on Wednesday, January 14. This isn't the same lethargic team we saw a year ago. They’ve won five out of five games in this tournament, scoring 14 goals—just two shy of the all-time record.
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- The Lookman-Osimhen-Adams Trio: This front three is terrifying. Ademola Lookman has been involved in half of Nigeria's goals. Victor Osimhen is back to his best after his big €75m permanent move to Galatasaray. And Akor Adams? He’s the physical presence they’ve needed.
- Tactical Shift: Chelle has settled on a 4-4-2 diamond that actually works. Alex Iwobi is playing in a "free role" that makes him look like a completely different player. He’s currently leading the tournament in line-breaking passes.
- The "Best in 20 Years": Even Sunday Oliseh, who is usually the toughest critic of the national team, said this is the best football he’s seen the Eagles play since 2006. That’s high praise from a man not known for giving it out easily.
The NFF is already preparing a new contract for Chelle. Apparently, reaching the semi-finals triggered an automatic extension clause. His salary might even double from $50,000 to $100,000 a month, especially with Tunisia reportedly lurking in the shadows trying to lure him away for their own World Cup campaign.
What’s Happening Back Home? (NPFL and the Falcons)
You can't talk about news about nigeria football without checking in on the domestic scene. The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) is currently at a bit of a crossroads as the second stanza of the 2025/26 season kicks off.
Rivers United finished the first round at the top of the table with 37 points, but the real story is Remo Stars. The defending champions have had a rough time playing their home games in Abeokuta while their stadium in Ikenne was being renovated. They actually lost at home to Bendel Insurance recently and are sitting way down in 16th place.
But there’s good news for them: the "Sky Blue Stars" are finally moving back home. Their renovated stadium, featuring a new FIFA-certified pitch, opens for business on January 14 against Ikorodu City. If they’re going to save their season, it has to start now.
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Meanwhile, the Super Falcons have already secured their spot for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. They drew 1-1 with Benin Republic in late October 2025 to seal a 3-1 aggregate win. It wasn’t pretty—coach Justine Madugu admitted they played below expectations—but Ashleigh Plumptre’s header did the job. This tournament also serves as the qualifier for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil, so the stakes couldn't be higher for the ladies.
The January Transfer Market: Nigerian Stars on the Move
It’s January, which means the transfer rumors are flying. We’ve already seen some interesting moves for Nigerian talent:
- Suleman Sani to RB Leipzig: This is a big one. The teenage winger just signed a long-term deal with the Bundesliga side. Leipzig has a massive reputation for developing kids, so this is one to watch.
- Victor Boniface’s Loan: After a weird medical situation with AC Milan that fell through, Boniface ended up at Werder Bremen on loan. He’s still finding his feet after those injury spells at Leverkusen.
- The "Super Lig" Connection: With Wilfred Ndidi joining Besiktas and Osimhen staying at Gala, Turkey has become a second home for the Super Eagles.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're trying to keep up with all this, here is how you should navigate the next few weeks:
- Watch the Semi-Final: The Morocco vs. Nigeria game (Wednesday, Jan 14) is basically the "real" final. Morocco hasn't conceded a goal from open play yet. If the Eagles break them down, they are almost certainly winning the trophy.
- Track the FIFA Petition: Don't get your hopes too high, but keep an eye on official NFF or FIFA statements regarding the DR Congo eligibility case. These legal battles can take months, but a "stay of execution" on the World Cup bracket isn't impossible.
- Follow the NPFL Return: If you’re a local league fan, watch how Remo Stars perform back at Ikenne. The "stadium bounce" is a real thing in the NPFL, and their climb back up the table will be the main domestic storyline of February.
- Scout the New Talent: Keep an eye on Suleman Sani’s debut for Leipzig. If he breaks into that first team quickly, he’ll be the next name Eric Chelle calls up for the senior national team.
Nigeria football is in a weird, exciting, and slightly litigious place right now. Whether it's a trophy in Rabat or a legal win in Zurich, things are finally looking up.
To stay ahead of the curve, monitor the official CAF and NFF social media channels for real-time match updates and legal filings. If the Super Eagles secure the AFCON title this week, expect a massive shift in FIFA's ranking and potentially more leverage for the NFF in their international disputes. Maintaining a clear view of both the tactical on-pitch improvements and the administrative maneuvers is the only way to understand where the team is heading in 2026.