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FIFA has rejected the Nigeria Football Federation‘s complaint about DR Congo allegedly fielding ineligible players during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Despite this decision, the NFF is not backing down and has filed a formal appeal, clinging to the possibility of altering Nigeria’s fate.
FIFA dismisses eligibility claims
The controversy stems from a critical 2026 World Cup playoff match between the Super Eagles and DR Congo in Rabat, which concluded with a 1-1 draw before DR Congo secured victory through a penalty shootout.
Nigeria’s objection focused on suspected discrepancies in the documentation of certain DR Congo players, with the NFF claiming that some participants were not eligible to play.
However, after examining the evidence, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee concluded that the claims lacked sufficient proof, thus upholding the match’s original outcome.
NFF pushes final appeal
The ruling represents a major blow to Nigeria’s qualification ambitions, effectively shutting down a key pathway to the 2026 tournament.
Nonetheless, the federation has moved quickly to challenge the decision. NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi confirmed that an appeal is already underway, describing it as a final effort to overturn the outcome.
As captured by Afrik-Foot, Sanusi said, “We are not satisfied with the decision… the NFF has immediately commenced the process of appealing.”
Qualification hopes hang in the balance
The appeal now stands as Nigeria’s last realistic opportunity to alter the qualification process.
A successful outcome could see the result reversed in favour of the Super Eagles, potentially awarding a walkover victory.
Failure, however, would effectively confirm Nigeria’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup via this route, closing the chapter on a contentious dispute.