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NFF dismisses claims FIFA rejected Nigeria’s DR Congo appeal
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Federation insists no official response from FIFA
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Petition over alleged ineligible players still under review
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has refuted reports suggesting that FIFA has thrown out Nigeria’s appeal against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) over the alleged fielding of ineligible players during their World Cup playoff encounter.
Responding to the reports, NFF Secretary General, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, said the federation has not received any correspondence from FIFA regarding the status or outcome of the petition.
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According to Sanusi, the NFF formally submitted a complaint to world football’s governing body over the eligibility of certain DR Congo players, and any decision or response would be communicated directly to the federation.
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“The NFF has not received any letter from FIFA indicating that our petition has been rejected,” Sanusi said during an interview on AIT. “We have checked our official communication channels, including emails, and nothing of that nature has come from FIFA.”
He questioned the source of the reports, adding that any claim of a rejection remains speculative unless backed by official documentation from FIFA.
Nigeria’s petition followed their 1–1 draw with DR Congo in the World Cup playoff final in November, a match the Super Eagles eventually lost 4–3 on penalties, ending their hopes of advancing to the intercontinental playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The NFF maintained that the matter is still pending, stressing that until FIFA formally communicates its decision, reports of a rejection should be treated as unverified.
