Official: FIFA rejects Nigeria petition over DR Congo clash as NFF files appeal

FIFA have dismissed the Nigeria Football Federation‘s petition against DR Congo over alleged use of ineligible players during their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Despite the ruling, the NFF has escalated the matter by initiating a formal appeal, keeping Nigeria’s slim hopes alive.

FIFA dismisses eligibility claims

The dispute originates from a decisive 2026 World Cup playoff clash between Super Eagles and DR Congo in Rabat, which ended 1-1 before the Congolese side advanced via penalty shootout.

Nigeria’s protest centred on alleged irregularities in the documentation of some DR Congo players, with the NFF arguing that ineligible individuals were fielded.

However, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee reviewed the submission and found insufficient evidence to support the claims, allowing the original result to stand.

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.