Nigeria’s football body challenges FIFA ruling rejecting its petition over DR Congo player eligibility in 2026 World Cup playoff.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has commenced the process of appealing a decision by FIFA rejecting its petition against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) over player eligibility in a 2026 World Cup playoff match.
The NFF confirmed that it is dissatisfied with the ruling of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, which dismissed its claims regarding alleged irregularities in the eligibility of some Congolese players.
Speaking on the development, NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, said the federation has already initiated steps to challenge the decision.
“We have received the decision of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee on our petition, but we are not satisfied with the outcome. I want to assure Nigerians that we have immediately commenced the process of appeal,” he said.
The NFF had earlier filed a petition with FIFA, alleging possible fraud in the issuance of passports that enabled certain DR Congo players to qualify for the match.
The disputed encounter took place on November 16, 2025, at the Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, and served as the final of the African playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The match ended 1–1 after regulation and extra time, with DR Congo eventually securing victory through a penalty shootout, thereby progressing in the qualification race.
The outcome of the appeal could have significant implications for Nigeria’s hopes of qualification, depending on FIFA’s final decision.
