The Federation of International Football Federations (FIFA) has rejected Nigeria’s petition seeking the disqualification of Congo DR over alleged use of ineligible players.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) disclosed the decision in a statement, noting that FIFA’s disciplinary committee dismissed the complaint after months of review.
Nigeria had filed the petition following their 4–3 penalty loss to Congo DR after a 1–1 draw in a continental playoff final in Rabat, Morocco. Congo DR is now set to represent Africa in the intercontinental playoffs in Mexico for a place at the 2026 World Cup.
The NFF claimed the petition was based on concerns over alleged irregularities in the issuance of passports to some Congolese players, which it believed made them ineligible.
Despite the rejection, the NFF said it is not satisfied with FIFA’s decision and has begun the process of filing an appeal.
The federation’s Secretary General, Mohammed Sanusi, assured Nigerians that efforts are ongoing to challenge the ruling ahead of the intercontinental playoffs.
Nigeria last played at the World Cup in 2018 and failed to qualify for the 2022 tournament. Missing out again would mark the first time the country fails to qualify for consecutive World Cups since its debut in 1994.
