NFF Issues Strong Response to FIFA Verdict Reports on DR Congo Dispute
The Nigeria Football Federation has firmly denied widespread reports claiming that FIFA has already delivered a verdict on Nigeria's protest against the Democratic Republic of the Congo regarding alleged ineligible players. The federation insists that no official decision has been communicated and urges fans to disregard what it labels as fake and misleading information circulating online.
Background of the Dispute
The controversy stems from Nigeria's painful elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup by DR Congo in the final round of the African play-offs last November. After the match ended 1-1 following extra time, the Congolese side edged the Super Eagles 4-3 on penalties, effectively ending Nigeria's hopes of reaching the intercontinental play-offs. Following this defeat, the NFF submitted a formal petition to FIFA, questioning the eligibility of several DR Congo players.
The complaint was based on Congolese domestic law, which largely does not recognise dual citizenship for adults. Nigeria argued that some players who featured for the Leopards allegedly retained foreign passports, including Belgian, English, French, and Dutch nationalities, without formally renouncing their original citizenship. In response, DR Congo rejected Nigeria's position, insisting that FIFA's definition of sporting nationality, not domestic citizenship law, determines a player's eligibility. Their officials maintained that all players fielded were cleared under FIFA regulations and urged Nigeria to accept the result on the pitch.
NFF Reacts to Speculation
Speculation intensified in recent days after documents circulated online suggesting FIFA had ruled in Nigeria's favour and awarded the Super Eagles a 3-0 victory, which would have restored their World Cup hopes. The NFF moved quickly to shut down these claims. Ademola Olajire, Director of Communications at the federation, described the reports as false and misleading.
There is no decision from FIFA at this time. Any claims that a ruling has been made are false. FIFA has not communicated any verdict to the NFF or the Congolese federation, Olajire was quoted as saying. The NFF also warned Nigerians against believing fabricated reports, stressing that only official communication from FIFA should be trusted. According to the NFF, the fake documents spreading online were never issued by football's world governing body.
What FIFA's Review Could Mean
FIFA retains the authority to investigate cases involving alleged fraud, misrepresentation, or document falsification. If wrongdoing is proven, sanctions could range from player bans and match forfeitures to possible expulsion from competitions. Nigeria could be reinstated back into the 2026 World Cup race if FIFA rules in favour of the NFF. However, FIFA traditionally relies on the passports and paperwork submitted by national associations at the time of clearance when determining eligibility, making Nigeria's case complex and far from guaranteed to succeed.
For now, the matter remains under review, with no official timeline given for a final decision. Earlier reports indicated that DR Congo has reportedly made a late move ahead of FIFA's verdict, allegedly using the influence of CAF Secretary General Véron Mosengo-Omba, who is Congolese, to lobby at FIFA for a favourable outcome. This adds another layer of intrigue to an already contentious situation.
