LAGOS-(MaraviPost)-World football governing body FIFA has dismissed a petition filed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) challenging the outcome of the 2026 World Cup CAF playoff final against DR Congo national football team, effectively ending Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying through administrative channels.
The Super Eagles had taken their case to FIFA following their dramatic penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo, arguing that the Central African side fielded players who were allegedly ineligible under nationality regulations.
In its ruling, FIFA rejected the appeal, citing insufficient evidence of any breach of its eligibility rules.
The world football body maintained that all players who featured for DR Congo met the necessary requirements to represent the country.
According to FIFA, the players in question held valid Congolese passports and had properly approved Change of Association requests where applicable key criteria under its statutes.
Nigeria’s argument centred on claims that Congolese domestic law does not recognise dual nationality, suggesting that some players should not have been eligible to feature.
However, FIFA clarified that it does not enforce domestic citizenship laws when determining eligibility for international football.
Instead, the organisation relies strictly on its own regulations, which recognise a government issued passport as sufficient proof of nationality.
The decision means the result of the playoff final remains intact, with DR Congo retaining their victory and advancing in the qualification process.
The NFF had expressed confidence in its petition, insisting it had submitted compelling documentation to support its case.
But FIFA’s conclusion signals that the governing body found no regulatory violation that would warrant disciplinary action or a reversal of the match outcome.
