The NFF rejected the ruling, insisting it is dissatisfied and will challenge the outcome through official channels.

The Nigeria Football Federation has begun the process of appealing a decision by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee over its protest against the DR Congo national football team.

Nigeria had earlier raised concerns about the eligibility of some Congolese players who featured in the 2026 FIFA World Cup play-off clash in Rabat last November.

CBI News reports that the Super Eagles lost the encounter 4–3 on penalties, but the NFF questioned the authenticity of documents used to clear certain players, citing alleged irregularities in passport issuance.

After months of deliberation, the Nigerian federation confirmed it has received FIFA’s ruling, which dismissed the petition.

However, the NFF has rejected the outcome and is moving to challenge it.

“We have received the decision of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee on our petition, but we are not satisfied with the decision, which rejected our petition,” said NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi.

“I want to assure Nigerians that the NFF has immediately commenced the process of appealing the decision,” he added.

Despite the ongoing dispute, DR Congo’s qualification hopes remain intact.

They are set to face the winner between the Jamaica national football team and the New Caledonia national football team in the next stage of the play-offs.

The Congolese team will travel to Guadalajara and Monterrey, where six nations will compete for the final two spots at the expanded tournament.

The matches are scheduled for March 26 and 31, 2026.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted across United States, Canada, and Mexico, taking place from June 11 to July 19, 2026.