Nigeria challenges FIFA ruling over DR Congo as World Cup playoff dispute escalates

Nigeria has vowed to appeal against FIFA’s decision to dismiss its complaint over the eligibility of players used by the Democratic Republic of Congo, raising the prospect of further disruption ahead of the 2026 World Cup playoffs.

The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) confirmed it would challenge the ruling after FIFA’s disciplinary committee found no wrongdoing in the Congolese squad selection during the African playoff final, which DR Congo won on penalties in November 2025.

Nigeria had alleged that several players fielded by DR Congo were ineligible, claiming irregularities in the issuance of passports.

However, FIFA concluded that the complaint did not reveal any breach of its regulations, allowing the result to stand.

“ We have received the decision from the FIFA Disciplinary Committee regarding our appeal, but we are not satisfied with this decision, which rejected our complaint. I want to assure Nigerians that the NFF has immediately initiated the appeal process ,” said Mohammed Sanusi, the federation’s general secretary.

At the centre of Nigeria’s argument is the issue of dual nationality.

The NFF maintains that Congolese law does not generally recognise dual citizenship, except under specific conditions, and argues that some players may have held multiple passports, potentially contravening national regulations.

“ FIFA rules stipulate that as long as a player possesses a passport from his country, he is eligible. From our point of view, they are eligible, which is why they were allowed to play. But our argument is that FIFA was misled into validating them, because it is not their responsibility to ensure that Congolese rules are respected ,” Sanusi added.

The dispute comes at a crucial moment for DR Congo, who are one match away from securing a place at the World Cup in North America.

🚨💣 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐌𝐄𝐃: IT’s OFFICIALLY OVER🇳🇬❌

FIFA has rejected Nigeria’s appeal 😳

DR Congo will proceed to the playoffs in Mexico as Nigeria are OUT — World Cup hopes officially over.

A painful end for the Super Eagles. 😔 pic.twitter.com/Kq0DIWXamt

— Topskills Sports UK (@topskillsportuk) March 17, 2026

They are scheduled to face the winner of the playoff between Jamaica and New Caledonia on 31 March.

For the Congolese side, qualification would mark a historic return to the global stage, with their only previous appearance dating back to 1974, when the country competed as Zaire.

Nigeria, meanwhile, face the prospect of missing a second consecutive World Cup if their appeal is unsuccessful.

Should the decision be overturned, the Super Eagles would take DR Congo’s place in the playoffs, adding further significance to an already contentious case that continues to divide opinion in African football.