NFF reacts to FIFA case involving DR Congo
By Tosin Omojola –
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has reacted to the ongoing case instituted by the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) concerning the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), as the football community awaits the final outcome.
DR Congo, who dashed Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, risk losing their place in the final play-off following allegations that they fielded an ineligible player.
If found culpable, the Congolese side could be sanctioned by FIFA, with penalties ranging from forfeiture of their final play-off ticket to the imposition of fines.
The NFF, through its Secretary General, Dr Sanusi Mohammed, addressed the matter, clarifying the federation’s position on the alleged ineligibility of some players.
According to him, FIFA was misled into clearing the players, as it is not the responsibility of the world football governing body to interpret or enforce domestic citizenship laws.
He noted that DR Congo’s laws do not permit dual citizenship, yet some of the players in question reportedly possess dual nationality.
Dr Mohammed added that it was not FIFA’s duty to be conversant with the domestic laws of every country, stressing that this informed the NFF’s decision to formally draw the issue to FIFA’s attention, while awaiting its verdict.
