World Cup (Q): NFF confirms FIFA’s decision on petition against DR Congo

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that its petition to FIFA challenging the eligibility of several DR Congo players in November’s World Cup qualifying playoff has been dismissed after the world football governing body ruled in favor of the Congolese side.

​The NFF submitted the protest, alleging that DR Congo fielded ineligible players during their 2026 FIFA World Cup Playoff match at the Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.

The petition, presented days after the encounter, cited perceived irregularities in the issuance of passports that qualified a number of Congolese players for the playoffs.

​NFF to appeal World Cup decision

​NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi confirmed on Tuesday that the federation has already begun the process of appealing the decision made by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee.

“We have received the decision of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee on our petition, but we are not satisfied with the decision, which rejected our petition. I want to assure Nigerians that the NFF has immediately commenced the process of appealing the decision.”

The Democratic Republic of Congo secured their progression via a penalty shootout after both teams were tied at 1-1 following regulation and extra time.

DR Congo will now turn their attention to the FIFA World Cup qualifying interconfederation playoff in Mexico, while Nigeria will keep on pushing to see if their African counterparts get disqualified.