The Nigeria Football Federation has confirmed it will appeal after FIFA dismissed its petition challenging the eligibility of players fielded by the DR Congo national football team during the 2026 World Cup playoff.
Nigeria had been knocked out of the qualification race following a dramatic 4–3 penalty shootout defeat after a 1–1 draw in Rabat, a result that handed DR Congo passage to the intercontinental playoffs.
The NFF had raised concerns over the legitimacy of several Congolese players, alleging irregularities in the documentation and issuance of passports that made them eligible for the fixture. The complaint centred largely on claims that some players held dual nationality, which Nigeria argued conflicted with DR Congo’s domestic laws. 
After months of deliberation, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee rejected the petition, effectively upholding the result of the match. However, the Nigerian football body has moved swiftly to challenge the ruling.
“We have received the decision of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee on our petition, but we are not satisfied,” said NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi. “I want to assure Nigerians that we have immediately commenced the process of appealing the decision.”
The move signals Nigeria’s determination to exhaust all legal avenues in a bid to revive their hopes of returning to contention for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Meanwhile, DR Congo are continuing preparations for the intercontinental playoffs, where they are set to face the winner between Jamaica national football team and New Caledonia national football team for a place at the tournament.
Despite FIFA’s ruling, the case remains alive through the appeal process, keeping Nigeria’s slim World Cup hopes hanging in the balance as the qualification drama shifts from the pitch to the courtroom.
