Eligibility Dispute: NFF Reacts To Circulating Report On FIFA Verdict

Abuja, Nigeria

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has described reports suggesting that the world football governing body (FIFA) has issued a verdict regarding Nigeria’s protest against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) over alleged ineligible players in their World Cup qualifying match against the Super Eagles.

NFF file a petition against the football governing body of DR Congo, following Nigeria’s elimination on penalties by the Leopards in the final round of the African play-offs last November. The result which ended the Super Eagles’ hopes of advancing to the intercontinental play-offs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The NFF argued that under Congolese law, dual nationality is not recognised, raising concerns about players holding European passports while representing the Leopards.

In an interview with 234Sports monitored by AfrikTimes, NFF Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire clarified that FIFA has not issued any ruling on the matter, adding that reports claiming a decision in favour of either Nigeria or DR Congo as “false and misleading.”

“There is no decision from FIFA at this time. Any claims that a ruling has been made are false. FIFA has not communicated any verdict to the NFF or the Congolese federation.”

Olajire said the clarification aimed to address widespread online speculation, including fabricated documents purporting to show FIFA awarding Nigeria a 3–0 victory over DR Congo and reinstating the Super Eagles for the next stage of World Cup qualification.