World Cup: FIFA Rejects Petition Against DR Congo, NFF Moves to Appeal

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that FIFA has dismissed its petition challenging the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) over the alleged use of ineligible players during the World Cup playoff held in November 2025.

The NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, disclosed in a statement on Tuesday that the federation is dissatisfied with the ruling and has already begun the process of filing an appeal.
“We have received the decision of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, which rejected our petition. The NFF has immediately commenced the process of appealing the decision,” Sanusi stated.
DR Congo had progressed ahead of the Super Eagles after winning on penalties, securing Africa’s sole ticket to the interconfederational playoffs for the World Cup.
In December, the NFF submitted a petition to FIFA, alleging that DR Congo fielded players who did not meet the country’s citizenship requirements. According to the federation, some of those players featured in the African playoff final against Nigeria.
The decision brings to an end months of uncertainty surrounding FIFA’s review of the matter. The NFF now has 10 days to formally lodge an appeal with the FIFA Appeal Committee. Should the appeal fail, the case could be taken to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
The interconfederational playoffs are scheduled to take place from March 26 to 31, with DR Congo set to face the winner of the Jamaica versus New Caledonia fixture for a place at the World Cup.