The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has firmly dismissed reports claiming that FIFA has rejected Nigeria’s appeal against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) over the alleged use of ineligible players.
The reports, which circulated widely on social media and some online platforms, suggested that FIFA had thrown out Nigeria’s petition following the Super Eagles’ loss to DR Congo in the CAF playoff final for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
NFF: No Communication From FIFA
Speaking on AIT Television, NFF Secretary General, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, described the claims as false and misleading, stressing that the federation has received no official response from FIFA regarding the petition.
“The Nigeria Football Federation wrote a petition to FIFA concerning the eligibility of some DR Congo players, and if there is anything, FIFA will reply to the NFF,” Sanusi said.
“As of now, the NFF has not received any letter from FIFA indicating that our petition has been rejected. We have checked our emails and there is nothing from FIFA.”
He questioned the source of the reports, adding that any claim of a decision without official notification was unfounded.
“If there is such a letter, let them produce it. Unless they have someone inside FIFA giving them information before official communication to the NFF,” he said.
Background to the Appeal
Nigeria lost the playoff final 4–3 on penalties after a 1–1 draw in regulation time in November, a result that handed DR Congo Africa’s spot in the Intercontinental Playoffs for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In the aftermath of the match, the NFF lodged a formal petition with FIFA, alleging violations of player eligibility rules by DR Congo.
Petition Still Under Review
The NFF insists that the matter remains under consideration and maintains that no formal decision has been communicated by FIFA.
Until an official response is received, the federation says any report suggesting the appeal has been dismissed should be treated as speculation.
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