The Federation of International Football Federations (FIFA) has dismissed Nigeria’s petition to disqualify DR Congo. The dispute centred on the alleged use of ineligible players during their recent clash.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) revealed FIFA’s decision in a media release on Tuesday. This blow comes after Nigeria lost to DR Congo 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in Rabat, Morocco. As it stands, DR Congo will represent Africa at the intercontinental play-offs in Mexico later this month.
FIFA: Allegations of Passport Fraud
Nigeria’s legal challenge began in December. The NFF claimed that several DR Congo players held dual nationalities that made them ineligible. Specifically, the petition was “based on perceived fraud in the issuance of passports that qualified a number of players of the Democratic Republic of Congo for the Play-offs.”
Despite these claims, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee rejected the petition after months of deliberation. The ruling leaves Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup dreams hanging by a thread.
NFF Launches Immediate Appeal
The NFF is not backing down. Secretary General Mohammed Sanusi confirmed that the governing body has already started the appeal process. This move comes just one week before the play-offs begin in Mexico.
“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,” Sanusi stated. “I want to assure Nigerians that the NFF has immediately commenced the process of appealing the decision.”
A Historic Qualification Drought
Nigeria’s absence from the global stage is becoming a concern for fans. The Super Eagles last appeared at the World Cup in Russia in 2018. Having failed to qualify for Qatar 2022, the team now faces missing two consecutive tournaments. This would be a first for the nation since its debut at USA 1994.
The players wasted the opportunity from the start.