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Nigeria’s hopes of overturning a painful World Cup playoff defeat have suffered a major setback after FIFA dismissed the country’s protest against the Democratic Republic of Congo over alleged player ineligibility, Footynaija reports.
The dispute relates to a decisive 2026 World Cup playoff played in Rabat, Morocco, at the Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium. The match finished 1-1 after extra time before DR Congo secured victory in a sudden-death penalty shootout, leaving Nigeria on the brink of elimination.
In the aftermath, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) lodged a formal complaint, arguing that DR Congo had fielded players who were not eligible to represent the country. The claim centred on what the NFF described as irregularities and possible fraud in the issuance of passports used by some of the Congolese players. Nigeria had hoped that, if proven, FIFA could overturn the result and award them a 3-0 win, dramatically boosting their qualification chances.
However, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has now ruled against Nigeria, finding insufficient evidence to support the allegations. The decision means the original result stands, leaving DR Congo in a stronger position as the qualification race continues.
Despite the ruling, the NFF has responded swiftly, confirming it will challenge the verdict in what is now seen as a last attempt to revive Nigeria’s hopes.
NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, said: “The Nigeria Football Federation has already commenced the process of appealing the decision of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, which rejected its petition against the Democratic Republic of Congo on the issue of eligibility of some players used by that country in a 2026 FIFA World Cup Playoff match against Nigeria in Rabat, Morocco on 16th November 2025.”
He added: “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 outcome of that appeal could prove decisive. If unsuccessful, Nigeria’s path to the 2026 World Cup through this route will effectively be closed.
