The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee rejected its protest against the Democratic Republic of the Congo national football team over alleged use of ineligible players—and that an appeal process is now underway.
In an official statement, NFF General Secretary Dr Mohammed Sanusi disclosed that the federation has already received FIFA’s decision and is moving to 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.”
The case stems from Nigeria’s formal complaint to FIFA following their 2026 World Cup African playoff clash against DR Congo.
The NFF alleged that some DR Congo players were ineligible, there were irregularities in passport issuance and documentation. However, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee dismissed the petition, allowing the original result to stand.
The decisive playoff match was played on 16 November 2025 at the Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.
Full-time & extra-time score was 1–1 but DR Congo won on penalties.
The victory secured DR Congo’s progression, dealing a major blow to Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes.