The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has initiated an appeal against a ruling by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, which dismissed its petition concerning the eligibility of certain players fielded by the Democratic Republic of the Congo during a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff clash.
The disputed match took place on November 16, 2025, in Rabat, where both sides battled to a 1-1 draw after regulation and extra time before DR Congo secured victory via a sudden-death penalty shootout in the final of the African playoffs.
Reacting to FIFA’s decision, NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, confirmed that the federation is dissatisfied with the outcome and has promptly begun the appeal process.
“We have carefully reviewed the decision of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee and, while we acknowledge receipt, we are not satisfied with the ruling. We have therefore taken immediate steps to challenge it through the appropriate channels,” Sanusi stated.
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The NFF’s initial petition, submitted shortly after the match, alleged irregularities in the documentation of some DR Congo players, specifically raising concerns about the legitimacy of passports used to qualify them for the playoff encounter.
The federation insists that the issue is significant and warrants further scrutiny, as it touches on the integrity of the qualification process for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
With the appeal now underway, the case is expected to draw attention across the football community, as stakeholders await FIFA’s next move on the matter.
