The Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) has turned down Nigeria's request to disqualify the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) based on allegations of fielding ineligible players.
This announcement was made by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in a statement released to the media on Tuesday.
In a thrilling continental playoff final held in Rabat, Morocco, Nigeria was edged out 4-3 on penalties after the match concluded at 1-1 following extra time. DR Congo is now slated to represent Africa in the upcoming intercontinental playoff in Mexico, where they will compete for one of the two remaining spots for the 2026 World Cup.
Nigeria's appeal stemmed from concerns that some players in the DR Congo squad possessed dual nationalities, leading to questions about their eligibility. The NFF's petition, filed in December, highlighted suspicions of irregularities in the issuance of passports that allowed certain DR Congo players to qualify for the playoffs.
After months of deliberation, FIFA’s disciplinary committee has dismissed the NFF’s petition, prompting the football governing body of Nigeria to file an appeal against the ruling.
Mohammed Sanusi, the NFF Secretary General, stated that they have initiated the appeal process just over a week ahead of the intercontinental playoffs.
“We have acknowledged the decision of FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee regarding our petition, but we’re not pleased with the outcome that dismissed our concerns,” he remarked.
Sanusi reassured Nigerians, saying, “The NFF has promptly commenced the appeal process.”
Nigeria last participated in the World Cup during the 2018 tournament in Russia. With the Super Eagles missing the qualification for Qatar 2022, they are on course to miss consecutive World Cup events for the first time since their inaugural appearance at the USA 1994 World Cup.
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