African football analyst, Mamadou Gaye, has called for patience as Nigeria awaits a decision from FIFA regarding the protest against the Democratic Republic of Congo national football team following their African playoff final for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The Super Eagles lost in a penalty shootout to DRC, but the NFF subsequently lodged a formal complaint, alleging that the opponent fielded ineligible players, including Axel Tuanzebe and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

With no fewer than three weeks remaining before the next international window, FIFA is yet to issue a ruling, leaving supporters, players and the NFF in a state of uncertainty. Nigeria hopes that a favourable outcome could revive its path toward qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

Speaking on SuperSport’s Soccer Africa programme, Gaye referred to a recent precedent involving the South African national soccer team. Bafana Bafana were docked three points in the qualifiers after FIFA ruled that midfielder Teboho Mokoena was ineligible. The decision was delivered shortly before the final round of Group C matches.

“Let’s wait for FIFA to make the decision,” he said. “You remember the points taken away from Bafana Bafana were done at the last minute,” Gaye said.

He emphasised that Nigeria’s protest should follow due process, noting that any party dissatisfied with FIFA’s ruling retains the right to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).