NFF to Appeal FIFA Decision After DR Congo Petition Dismissal

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) says it will appeal after FIFA Disciplinary Committee dismissed its petition against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) over player eligibility.

NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, confirmed the development in a statement released to journalists on Tuesday.

The decision is a major setback for Nigeria, whose hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup were already uncertain. The ruling means DR Congo will keep their place in the intercontinental play-offs.

The NFF had challenged the eligibility of some DR Congo players following their clash in the African qualifying play-offs. However, FIFA’s disciplinary body rejected the complaint.

Sanusi expressed disappointment with the outcome and said the federation has started the appeal process.

“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,” Sanusi said.

“I want to assure Nigerians that the NFF has immediately commenced the process of appealing the decision.”

The latest development adds to the ongoing controversy surrounding Nigeria’s exit from the qualifiers, after losing to DR Congo in the play-offs.