2026 World Cup Dispute: NFF reacts to reports of FIFA verdict on Nigeria Vs DR Congo
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The body assured Nigerians that it would make any development public once there is an official response from world football’s governing authority.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has dismissed widespread reports claiming that FIFA has delivered a final decision on Nigeria’s protest against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) over alleged ineligible players.
The controversy began after Nigeria’s Super Eagles were eliminated by DR Congo in a dramatic penalty shootout during the African qualifying play-offs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup last November.
The defeat ended Nigeria’s hopes of advancing to the intercontinental play-offs and securing a place at the global tournament.
Following the loss, the NFF submitted a formal complaint to FIFA, questioning the eligibility of some players who featured for DR Congo during the encounter.
According to the NFF, Congolese laws do not recognise dual nationality. The federation argued that if some of the players held European passports while representing DR Congo, their eligibility could be called into question under the country’s legal framework.
As speculation grew on social media and in sections of the media suggesting that FIFA had either ruled in favour of Nigeria or dismissed the protest, the NFF moved quickly to clear the air.
Ademola Olajire, the NFF’s Director of Communications, described the circulating reports as false and misleading.
He stated clearly that FIFA has not communicated any verdict to the NFF or to the Congolese Football Federation.
“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 either federation,” Olajire said.
The NFF urged football fans and the general public to disregard unverified reports and rely only on official statements from the federation or FIFA.
The body assured Nigerians that it would make any development public once there is an official response from world football’s governing authority.
For now, the matter remains under review, and both Nigeria and DR Congo await formal communication from FIFA.
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