The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has firmly denied reports suggesting that FIFA has rejected Nigeria’s appeal against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) over the alleged use of ineligible players during their 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff encounter.
The reports, which circulated widely over the weekend, claimed that FIFA had already thrown out Nigeria’s petition following the controversial playoff clash.
However, the NFF has described such claims as false and misleading, stating that no official response has been received from FIFA.
The body insists no communication has been received from world football’s governing body as World Cup playoff dispute remains unresolved.
“We have Checked Our Emails, No Letter” – NFF Reveals
Reacting to the reports, NFF Secretary General, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, made it clear that the federation remains in the dark regarding FIFA’s position on the matter.
“The Nigeria Football Federation wrote a petition to FIFA on the eligibility of some of the players of DR Congo, and if there is anything, FIFA will reply to the NFF,” Sanusi said during an interview on AIT on Saturday.
He categorically dismissed claims that FIFA had already ruled on the issue.
“The NFF has not received any letter from FIFA saying they have thrown away our petition. We have checked our emails, and there was no letter from FIFA.”
Sanusi further questioned the credibility of the reports, challenging those spreading the claims to provide proof.
“I don’t know where they got their information from. If there is any such letter, let them show it, unless they have someone in FIFA giving them information ahead of official communication,” he added.
Petition Background: Painful Playoff Exit
Nigeria’s petition stems from their heartbreaking exit in the World Cup playoffs last November.
The Super Eagles drew 1–1 with DR Congo before losing 4–3 on penalties in the playoff final, a defeat that saw Nigeria miss out on a place in the intercontinental playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Following the match, the NFF submitted a formal petition to FIFA, questioning the eligibility of some DR Congo players fielded during the encounter.
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Petition Still Under Review
NFF formally submitted a petition to FIFA, alleging that the DR Congo fielded ineligible players during the FIFA World Cup Playoffs Final against Nigeria, hoping Nigeria’s path to qualification for the FIFA World Cup.
NFF General Secretary, Dr. Sanusi Mohammed, confirmed this and told the media that Nigeria has officially laid its case before FIFA.
According to the NFF, the complaint centers on claims that up to six players in the DRC squad failed to meet FIFA’s eligibility requirements regarding a change of nationality.
The Federation also points to provisions in the DRC Constitution, which reportedly prohibit dual citizenship.
However, despite widespread speculation, the NFF maintains that the matter is still open and under consideration by FIFA.
The federation insists that until an official response is received directly from FIFA, any claims suggesting that the petition has been dismissed remain unfounded.
As things stand, Nigeria’s football governing body continues to await formal communication from world football’s apex body, reiterating that no decision, positive or negative, has been conveyed regarding the petition.
