2026 World Cup: NFF denies reports of FIFA rejecting Nigeria’s appeal against DR Congo 

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has debunked reports claiming that FIFA has rejected Nigeria’s appeal against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) for fielding ineligible players.

Several unverified reports had suggested that FIFA had dismissed Nigeria’s petition following the Super Eagles’ defeat to DR Congo in the CAF playoff final for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification.

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Speaking on AIT television, NFF Secretary General Dr Mohammed Sanusi dismissed claims that FIFA had thrown out Nigeria’s appeal, stressing that the federation has received no such communication.

“The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) 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.

“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. 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 to the NFF.”

Recall that Nigeria lost the playoff final 4–3 on penalties after a 1–1 draw in regulation time in November, with DR Congo securing Africa’s ticket to the Intercontinental Playoffs for a place at the 2026 World Cup.

Following the match, the NFF submitted a petition to FIFA, citing alleged breaches in player eligibility by DR Congo.

The NFF maintains that its petition remains under consideration and insists no formal response has been received from FIFA at this time.