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FIFA Rejects Nigeria’s Protest Over Congo DR Player Eligibility, NFF Files Appeal

Posted : 18 March 2026

FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has dismissed Nigeria’s protest concerning the eligibility of several players fielded by Congo DR during last November’s African World Cup playoff, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed on Monday. In response, the NFF has immediately begun the appeals process.

NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi stated, “We have received the decision of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee on our petition, but we are not satisfied. The NFF has promptly initiated an appeal.”

The appeal is expected to be taken to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), although it remains uncertain whether the process will conclude before the intercontinental playoffs scheduled to begin on March 26. Congo DR is set to play in this stage on March 31, with a World Cup berth in the United States, Canada, and Mexico at stake.

The protest followed Congo DR’s 4-3 penalty shootout victory over Nigeria after a 1-1 draw in regulation and extra time during the CAF World Cup playoff final on November 16 at the Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco. This result sent Congo DR through to the intercontinental playoff.

Nigeria’s complaint alleged that between six and nine Congolese players had improperly switched international allegiances, arguing that they had not renounced their European citizenships, which is required under Congolese law that does not recognize dual nationality. “The Congolese rules say you cannot have dual nationality,” Sanusi said. “Several players hold European passports, some French, some Dutch, and the rules are clear.”

FIFA regulations, however, differ from Congolese law. FIFA only requires that a player hold a valid passport from the country they represent, a criterion met by all the contested players. FIFA initially cleared them to play based on this standard. The NFF maintains that FIFA may have been misled, asserting that compliance with domestic Congolese regulations was overlooked.

Congo DR is now drawn to face the winner of the intercontinental playoff semifinal between New Caledonia and Jamaica, with the victor securing one of the final spots at the 2026 World Cup.

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