FIFA yet to Rule on NFF Petition Against DR Congo
Last update: February 17, 2026
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FIFA yet ruled on the NFF’s petition over DR Congo players’ eligibility in the 2026 World Cup African play-offs...
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has not yet issued a verdict on the petition filed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) regarding the eligibility of certain DR Congo national football team players during last November’s 2026 World Cup African play-offs.
Nigerians were on edge on Monday awaiting FIFA’s decision, as the intercontinental play-offs are set to take place from March 26 to 31 in Mexico.
The Super Eagles advanced to the African play-offs after missing automatic qualification, but lost to DR Congo on penalties.
Despite circulating speculation, the NFF confirmed it has received no official communication from FIFA.
NFF President Ibrahim Gusau told Punch, “We are still waiting to hear from FIFA. We are hopeful, by the grace of God.”
CBI News reports that the NFF General Secretary Dr Mohammed Sanusi added that the federation would not have submitted the petition without a valid case.
“We believe that we have a chance; that is why we petitioned. If we knew we didn’t have a chance, we wouldn’t have petitioned. That is our submission, it is now left to FIFA to decide,” he said.
DR Congo has already been drawn to face the winner of the tie between New Caledonia and Jamaica for one of the two available World Cup slots.
Nigeria’s complaint focuses on the alleged improper nationality switch of some DR Congo players.
Under FIFA rules, a player may request to change the association they represent only once, via a written application that complies with domestic regulations and requires approval from FIFA’s Players’ Status Committee.
Players must also hold the passport of the country they wish to represent. Congolese law, which does not recognise dual nationality, is central to the NFF’s petition.
Members of the Super Eagles squad have expressed cautious optimism. Midfielder Alex Iwobi said, “We’re still waiting, hopefully we can go to the World Cup.”
Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, noted that the case could ultimately be referred to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
“It requires a lot of things, and by the time it is finally decided, whether Nigeria wins or DR Congo wins, I believe the case might even go to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. For us, we are waiting to see how it goes. All I know is that FIFA is still handling the petition,” he said.
The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19 across 16 cities in the three host countries.
