Nigeria appeals FIFA’s decision to reject petition against DR Congo

The General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Mohammed Sanusi, has disclosed that the federation has commenced the process to appeal FIFA's decision to reject their petition against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

FIFA had rejected the NFF’s petition challenging the eligibility of certain DR Congo players in the 2026 FIFA World Cup African playoff final.

The ruling confirmed DR Congo’s place in the intercontinental playoffs, leaving Nigeria’s World Cup hopes in jeopardy after the Congolese won on penalties following a 1-1 draw.

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The NFF filed the petition days after the November 16, 2025, match in Rabat, Morocco, citing irregularities in the issuance of passports that allowed some DR Congo players to participate.

However, the NFF rejected FIFA’s ruling, arguing that it was flawed because proper checks were not conducted to ascertain the facts.

In light of this, Sanusi stated that the federation is not pleased with the decision and has begun the process of appealing, urging Nigerians to remain calm.

“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,” he said, as reported by Nigerian media.

Despite this, DR Congo remain on course to participate in the intercontinental playoffs scheduled for March 2026, which will determine their fate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

SB/JE

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