- FIFA confirms receipt of Nigeria’s petition against DR Congo.
- NFF alleges player eligibility breaches in World Cup playoff match.
- Citizenship and documentation issues are under FIFA review.
- Sanctions or dismissal remain possible outcomes.
The Nigeria Football Federation submitted the petition after the African playoff final played on November 16, 2025, in Rabat, Morocco. The match ended 1-1 after extra time, before DR Congo defeated Nigeria 4-3 on penalties to advance to the inter-confederation playoffs scheduled for March 2026.
Nigeria’s defeat brought an end to the Super Eagles’ hopes of qualifying for the expanded 48-team World Cup finals to be hosted in North America.
ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!
According to the NFF, the petition focuses on alleged violations of Congolese nationality laws, which reportedly do not allow adult dual citizenship without formal renunciation. The federation claims some players fielded by DR Congo are Europe-based dual nationals who may not have completed the required legal processes.
NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi said the federation acted based on evidence and applicable regulations.
“This petition is not emotional. It is based on documents and legal provisions that FIFA must examine carefully,” Sanusi said.
READ ALSO: AFCON 2025 Winner to Take Home $10m as CAF Raises Prize Money
Players mentioned in the petition reportedly include individuals who still hold European passports while representing DR Congo. Nigeria argues that such documentation may have misled FIFA during the clearance process.
While FIFA rules require players to present a valid passport of the country they represent, the NFF insists that incomplete or misleading documents could amount to a breach of FIFA statutes and domestic laws.
FIFA has confirmed it is reviewing all submissions. Possible outcomes include dismissal of the petition, administrative sanctions against DR Congo’s football body FECOFA, or sporting penalties such as forfeiture or disqualification.
DR Congo has rejected the allegations, describing them as an attempt to overturn the result off the pitch. FECOFA officials insist all players were cleared by FIFA before the match.
Reacting to the controversy, DR Congo’s Director of Football Hérita Ilunga urged Nigeria to move on.
“The match was decided on the field. Our players were cleared and approved,” Ilunga said.
Nigeria’s National Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko expressed confidence in the petition, describing it as solid and well-grounded.
