FIFA World Cup Playoffs: NFF launches appeal after FIFA rejects initial protest against D.R Congo

2026-03-18 - 02:11

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has begun the process of appealing a ruling by FIFA after its protest concerning the World Cup playoff match against DR Congo was dismissed. The NFF had initially submitted a petition following the decisive encounter held in November 2025, raising concerns over the eligibility of certain DR Congo players. The complaint centred on alleged irregularities in the issuance of passports used to qualify those players for the playoffs. The match, staged at the Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, served as the final of the African playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After a tightly contested game that ended 1-1 following extra time, DR Congo emerged victorious in a dramatic penalty shootout. Despite presenting its case to FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee, the NFF’s petition was rejected, clearing D.R Congo to proceed to the inter-confederation playoffs. Unsatisfied with the ruling, the NFF has indicated that it is in the process of appealing the FIFA decision. “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. The appeal now sets the stage for a continued legal battle, with Nigeria seeking a review of the decision in hopes of overturning the outcome to keep the chances of playing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup alive. Send your news stories to [email protected] and via WhatsApp on +233 546310076.