The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has dismissed reports claiming FIFA has rejected its petition over the eligibility of some Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) players, insisting the case is still under review.
The controversy followed Nigeria’s heartbreaking 4–3 penalty defeat to DR Congo after a 1–1 draw in the African play-off final for the 2026 World Cup in November. Since then, speculation has grown that FIFA had quietly thrown out Nigeria’s appeal.
But speaking on AIT, NFF Secretary General Dr Mohammed Sanusi said no such decision has been communicated.
“The Nigeria Football Federation has not received any letter from FIFA saying our petition has been rejected,” Sanusi stated. “We have checked our emails and there is nothing from FIFA. If anyone claims otherwise, let them show the evidence.”
Nigeria’s petition alleges that some DR Congo players fielded in the match were ineligible under both FIFA regulations and Congolese national law. The NFF argues that Congolese law does not recognise dual citizenship, yet players such as Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe, who hold European passports, were cleared to play.
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“Our position is that FIFA was deceived into clearing them,” Sanusi said previously. “The law in Congo does not allow dual nationality. We believe there is a clear breach, and that breach is fraudulent.”
According to the NFF, supporting documents and legal arguments have already been submitted, and the federation is now awaiting FIFA’s official response.
DR Congo’s football body, Fecofa, has strongly rejected Nigeria’s claims. In a statement shared on its official platforms, it described the petition as an attempt to overturn the result off the pitch, urging Nigeria to “play the World Cup with dignity and confidence, not with lawyer tricks,” and branding the Super Eagles as “bad losers”.
What the rules say
Under FIFA statutes, players may switch national teams only once, subject to approval by the Players’ Status Committee. While FIFA allows players to hold multiple passports, eligibility must also comply with the nationality laws of the country concerned.
When a formal protest is lodged, FIFA can dismiss it for lack of evidence, open an investigation that may lead to fines or warnings, or impose sporting sanctions in serious cases. These can include match forfeiture or awarding results to the opposing team.
Past precedents exist. South Africa were docked points during the 2026 qualifiers for fielding a suspended player, while Equatorial Guinea were sanctioned over Emilio Nsue’s eligibility — a decision later overturned, though lost points were not restored.
Nigeria are hoping FIFA’s final ruling could reopen their path to the intercontinental play-offs for the 2026 World Cup, to be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
For now, the NFF insists the matter is far from over.
