By Kamsi Anayo with agency report
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that FIFA has rejected its petition challenging the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) over alleged ineligible players during the World Cup playoff in November 2025.
Mohammed Sanusi, NFF general secretary, said in a statement on Tuesday that the federation is “not satisfied with the decision” and has already initiated the appeal process.
“We have received the decision of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, which rejected our petition. The NFF has immediately commenced the process of appealing the decision,” Sanusi said.
DR Congo advanced past the Super Eagles on penalties to secure Africa’s sole spot in the interconfederational playoffs for the World Cup.
In December, the NFF had lodged a petition with FIFA, alleging that DR Congo fielded players whose eligibility contravened the country’s citizenship laws. Several of these players took part in the African playoff final against Nigeria, according to the NFF.
The ruling closes months of uncertainty over FIFA’s review. The NFF has 10 days to submit an appeal to the FIFA Appeal Committee. If the appeal is unsuccessful, the matter may proceed to the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS).
The interconfederational playoffs are scheduled from March 26 to 31. DR Congo will face the winner of the Jamaica vs. New Caledonia tie for a place in the World Cup.
