NFF files appeal as FIFA rejects Nigeria’s petition against DR Congo

The Nigeria Football Federation has announced that it is appealing FIFA’s decision rejecting its complaint over the eligibility of certain players fielded by the Democratic Republic of Congo in last November’s 2026 FIFA World Cup play-off in Rabat, Morocco

Nigeria was eliminated after losing 4-3 on penalties, but the NFF had raised concerns over what it described as fraudulent issuance of passports that allowed some DR Congo players to participate in the match.

After months of deliberation, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee delivered its ruling, which dismissed Nigeria’s petition. In response, NFF General Secretary Dr Mohammed Sanusi stated on Tuesday that the federation has already initiated the appeals process.

“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,” he said.

DR Congo is now set to face the winner of the play-off between Jamaica and New Caledonia, with a spot at the 2026 World Cup on the line.