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FIFA rejects Nigeria appeal over alleged ineligible DR Congo players
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Super Eagles’ 2026 World Cup bid ends after playoff defeat in Rabat
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World football body cites lack of evidence on dual nationality claims
FIFA has officially dismissed Nigeria’s appeal challenging the eligibility of several DR Congo players, effectively ending the Super Eagles’ campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The decision follows Nigeria’s loss to DR Congo in the CAF intercontinental playoff final, where the Congolese side triumphed 4–3 on penalties after a 1–1 draw in regulation time.
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The match was played on November 16 in Rabat, Morocco.
Nigeria had taken an early lead through Victor Osimhen, but Cédric Bakambu later equalised for DR Congo, forcing the encounter into a shootout that ultimately knocked the Super Eagles out of contention.
READ ALSO: FIFA Confirms Review of Nigeria’s Petition Against DR Congo
In the aftermath of the defeat, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) filed a formal protest with FIFA on December 16, alleging that up to nine DR Congo players, including Aaron Wan-Bissaka, violated FIFA rules on dual nationality and player eligibility.
However, according to a report by The Nation, FIFA rejected the petition, ruling that the NFF failed to provide sufficient evidence to substantiate the claims.
With the dismissal of the appeal, DR Congo’s qualification route remains intact, while Nigeria’s hopes of featuring at the 2026 World Cup have been officially dashed, extending the Super Eagles’ absence from the global football showpiece.
