NFF Files New Appeal after Protest Against DR Congo Failed
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is officially challenging a FIFA Disciplinary Committee ruling regarding a controversial World Cup qualifier against DR Congo.
The dispute stems from the African play-off final held in Morocco last November, where Nigeria alleged that the Congolese side fielded ineligible players.
After an initial setback at the committee level, the NFF has now activated the formal appeals process to contest the decision
The Nigeria Football Federation received confirmation on Tuesday that FIFA’s relevant committee had dismissed its petition challenging DR Congo’s participation in the upcoming intercontinental play-off. Nigeria, who were eliminated following a 4-3 penalty shootout defeat, had filed the petition on the grounds of alleged passport irregularities involving certain Congolese players.
The NFF is now formally seeking DR Congo’s disqualification from the tournament, with just 10 days remaining before the competition kicks off in Mexico.
“We have received the decision of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee on our petition, but we are not satisfied with the decision, which rejected our petition. I want to assure Nigerians that the NFF has immediately commenced the process of appealing the decision,” NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, said in a statement on Tuesday.
DR Congo have been drawn against the winner of the Jamaica and New Caledonia fixture, with qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup serving as the ultimate prize. The Congolese side will travel to the Mexican cities of Guadalajara and Monterrey, where they will compete alongside five other nations for the final two available berths at the tournament.
The expanded World Cup is scheduled to be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, running from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Meanwhile, DR Congo’s coach, Sébastien Desabre says his boys are locked in and ready for the intercontinental play-off.
He’s keeping expectations clear ,the least they want is to bring the same energy and fight that helped them see off Nigeria in that memorable African play-off final last November.
