NFF dismisses claims about FIFA ruling on case against DR Congo
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has dismissed reports claiming that FIFA has delivered a verdict on Nigeria’s protest against the Democratic Republic of Congo Football Federation over the alleged use of ineligible players.
The controversy arose after Nigeria’s Super Eagles were eliminated on penalties by DR Congo’s Leopards in the final round of the African play-offs last November, ending their hopes of advancing to the intercontinental play-offs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Following the defeat, the NFF submitted a formal complaint to FIFA, questioning the eligibility of several Congolese players. The federation argued that DR Congo’s domestic laws do not recognise dual nationality for adults and raised concerns that some players allegedly held European passports while representing the Leopards.
However, the NFF has clarified that no decision has been communicated by FIFA.
The federation’s Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire, described reports suggesting that a ruling had been issued in favour of either Nigeria or DR Congo as “false and misleading.”
“There is no decision from FIFA at this time. Any claims that a ruling has been made are false. FIFA has not communicated any verdict to the NFF or the Congolese federation,” Olajire said.
The NFF also urged the public to disregard fabricated documents circulating online which purportedly show FIFA awarding Nigeria a 3-0 victory and reinstating the Super Eagles in the qualification race.
According to the federation, the petition centres on DR Congo’s nationality laws, which largely prohibit dual citizenship.
