OGUN, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- FIFA has officially dismissed the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) appeal regarding the eligibility of several DR Congo players used during their 2026 World Cup qualifying playoff.
The NFF had petitioned the world governing body following the Super Eagles’ agonizing penalty shootout defeat in November, alleging that the Congolese side fielded players who were ineligible under domestic nationality laws. However, FIFA ruled that all players involved were properly registered and cleared in accordance with international statutes, finding no violations of its regulations.
This final ruling effectively ends Nigeria’s pursuit of a 2026 World Cup ticket through administrative channels, confirming that the original match result stands and the Super Eagles will miss out on the tournament in North America.The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had petitioned FIFA following the Super Eagles’ defeat to DR Congo in the intercontinental playoff final on 16 November in Rabat, Morocco.
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The match ended 1–1 in regulation time before DR Congo won 4–3 on penalties.Nigeria argued that some DR Congo players were ineligible to feature in the match, citing alleged breaches of competition rules. However, FIFA ruled that the players were properly registered and cleared to participate, and said no violations of its statutes or CAF competition regulations were found.
The decision confirms DR Congo’s place in the intercontinental playoff and brings Nigeria’s qualification campaign to a close, deepening disappointment among fans who had hoped the appeal might offer a route back into the tournament.