The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has dismissed reports claiming that FIFA has delivered a verdict on Nigeria’s protest concerning the eligibility of players fielded by the DR Congo national football team.
Speculation had circulated online suggesting that world football’s governing body had ruled on the matter, with some reports even alleging that Nigeria had been awarded a 3–0 victory. However, the NFF has firmly denied the existence of any such decision.
“There is no decision from FIFA at this time,” NFF Director of Communications Ademola Olajire stated.
“Any claims that a ruling has been made are false. FIFA has not communicated any verdict to us or to the Congolese federation.”
The controversy stems from Nigeria’s defeat on penalties to DR Congo in the final African play-off round for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a result that ended the Super Eagles’ hopes of advancing to the intercontinental stage.
Why Nigeria Protested
Nigeria’s complaint centres on questions of nationality and eligibility.
The NFF argued that DR Congo’s domestic laws, which reportedly limit dual citizenship for adults, raise concerns about whether certain players were eligible to represent the Leopards while also holding European passports.
NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi clarified that the federation’s issue is not with FIFA’s eligibility framework itself, but with whether accurate and complete information was submitted during the player clearance process.
“As far as FIFA is concerned, once you have the passport of your country, you are eligible,” Sanusi explained. “But our concern is that FIFA may have been deceived into clearing them.”
Under FIFA regulations, possession of a valid passport is central to establishing sporting nationality, provided all other eligibility requirements are satisfied.
DR Congo, however, has rejected the allegations, insisting that player eligibility is governed by FIFA’s definition of sporting nationality rather than domestic citizenship policies.
Hérita Ilunga, Director of Football at the Congolese Football Federation, maintained that the matter should be settled on the pitch.
In a strongly worded statement posted on the federation’s official X account, DR Congo said: “If you can’t win on the pitch, don’t try to win from the back door. The World Cup has to be played with dignity and confidence, not with lawyers’ tricks”
No Official Communication Yet
FIFA retains the authority to investigate allegations relating to player eligibility or documentation. Should any wrongdoing be established, potential sanctions could range from player bans to match forfeiture.
However, the NFF maintains that no ruling has been issued and insists it will only provide further comment upon receiving formal notification from FIFA.
Until then, reports suggesting that the Super Eagles have been reinstated or that DR Congo have been sanctioned remain unverified and unsubstantiated.
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