The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced that FIFA has dismissed its petition against the Democratic Republic of the Congo over the alleged use of ineligible players during the November 2025 World Cup playoffs.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the General Secretary of the NFF, Mohammed Sanusi, said the federation is dissatisfied with the ruling and has already initiated an appeal.
“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,” the NFF secretary said.
DR Congo had edged Super Eagles on penalties to secure Africa’s sole ticket to the intercontinental playoffs for the World Cup.
Following that match, the NFF submitted a petition to FIFA in December, accusing the Congolese football authorities of misrepresentation in clearing certain players whose eligibility allegedly conflicted with the country’s citizenship laws.
The federation maintained that several of the players in question featured in the playoff final against Nigeria.
FIFA’s latest decision brings an end to months of anticipation over the outcome of the case. However, the NFF now has a 10-day window to file a formal appeal before FIFA’s Appeal Committee.
Should the federation remain dissatisfied after the appeal process, the matter could be escalated to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Meanwhile, the intercontinental playoffs are scheduled to take place between March 26 and 31. DR Congo will face the winner of the tie between Jamaica and New Caledonia, with the victor earning one of the final qualification spots for the World Cup.
