NFF Moves To Appeal FIFA Verdict On DR Congo Player Eligibility In World Cup playoff Row
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has commenced the process of appealing a ruling by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, which dismissed its protest against the Democratic Republic of Congo national football team over the eligibility of certain players used in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoff.
Nigeria had lodged a petition with FIFA following the playoff match held on November 16, 2025, in Rabat, Morocco, alleging irregularities in the issuance of passports that enabled some DR Congo players to participate in the encounter.
However, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee rejected the petition, prompting the Nigerian football governing body to initiate an appeal through FIFA’s judicial channels.
NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, confirmed that the federation had received the ruling but would challenge it.
“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.
The NFF had submitted its petition to FIFA days after the match, citing alleged fraud in the issuance of passports that qualified several DR Congo players for the playoffs.
The match, played at the Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium, served as the final of the African playoffs. DR Congo emerged victorious via a sudden-death penalty shootout after both teams were tied 1-1 at the end of regulation and extra time.
