NFF appeals FIFA’s ruling on DR Congo eligibility dispute in World Cup playoff

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has initiated an appeal against a ruling by FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee, which dismissed its protest over the eligibility of players fielded by Democratic Republic of Congo national football team during the 2026 World Cup playoff clash.

In a statement released by the federation, NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, confirmed that the football body had received FIFA’s decision but would challenge the outcome through the appropriate channels.

“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,” Sanusi said.

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The NFF had lodged its complaint shortly after the playoff encounter, citing alleged irregularities in the documentation process that enabled certain DR Congo players to feature in the match. The federation specifically questioned the authenticity of passports used to establish player eligibility.

The fixture, staged at the Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat on November 16, 2025, served as the final round of the African qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After a 1-1 draw at the end of regulation and extra time, DR Congo emerged victorious via a sudden-death penalty shootout, sealing qualification at Nigeria’s expense.

The NFF’s appeal is expected to be reviewed by FIFA’s appellate bodies, as the federation seeks a reversal of the earlier decision.

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