- NFF Moves To Appeal FIFA Decision On DR Congo Eligibility Dispute
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FIFA dismissed Nigeria petition over alleged player document irregularities
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DR Congo continue World Cup qualification despite ongoing dispute
The Nigeria Football Federation has commenced the process of challenging a ruling by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee over its protest against the DR Congo national football team.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Nigeria had raised concerns about the eligibility of several Congolese players used in their 2026 FIFA World Cup play-off clash in Rabat last November.
The Super Eagles lost the tie 4-3 on penalties, but the NFF questioned the validity of documents used by some DR Congo players, citing alleged irregularities in passport issuance.
After months of review, the NFF confirmed it has received FIFA’s verdict, which dismissed the petition. The federation, however, said it is not satisfied with the outcome and has begun steps to appeal.
NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, said the decision would be contested.
“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,” Sanusi said.
“I want to assure Nigerians that the NFF has immediately commenced the process of appealing the decision.”
Despite the dispute, DR Congo remain in contention for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
They have been drawn to face either the Jamaica national football team or the New Caledonia national football team in the play-offs for a spot at the tournament.
DR Congo are scheduled to travel to Guadalajara and Monterrey in Mexico, where six teams will compete for the final two qualification slots. The matches are set for March 26 and March 31, 2026.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
