LAGOS-(MaraviPost)-FIFA has officially rejected a protest lodged by the Nigeria Football Federation challenging the eligibility of a player fielded by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
The protest followed Nigeria’s elimination by DR Congo in a decisive qualifying match after which Nigerian officials raised concerns that DR Congo had used at least one player who allegedly did not meet FIFA’s eligibility requirements.
In its submission, the Nigeria Football Federation argued that the player in question had issues related to nationality status, claiming that he had not fully complied with the relevant domestic laws and FIFA regulations governing international representation.
Nigeria maintained that these alleged irregularities should have rendered the player ineligible and therefore requested FIFA to review the match outcome and apply the appropriate sanctions if a breach was established.
The matter drew significant attention across African football, as the outcome had the potential to alter the qualification pathway for the 2026 World Cup, including the possibility of Nigeria being reinstated into the qualification process.
DR Congo’s FA however, firmly denied any wrongdoing, insisting that all players selected for the qualifier had been duly cleared and approved in accordance with FIFA’s eligibility procedures.
They further described Nigeria’s protest as an attempt to overturn a sporting result through administrative channels rather than on the field of play.
After reviewing the complaint, FIFA concluded that the protest did not meet the threshold required to overturn the match result, effectively dismissing Nigeria’s claims.
In its decision, world football’s governing body upheld the original outcome of the qualifier, confirming that DR Congo did not violate player eligibility rules as alleged.
The ruling brings an end to Nigeria’s hopes of advancing through that qualification route, marking a disappointing conclusion to their 2026 World Cup campaign.
For DR Congo, the decision secures their progress in the qualification process and allows them to continue preparations without the uncertainty that surrounded the protest.
