The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has vowed to challenge FIFA’s decision rejecting its protest over the alleged use of ineligible players by DR Congo in their crucial FIFA World Cup qualifying encounter.
The controversy stems from Nigeria’s dramatic elimination in November, when DR Congo triumphed via penalties in the second round of African qualifiers, securing a place in the inter-confederation play-offs. In the aftermath, the NFF lodged a formal petition with FIFA, accusing the Congolese side of what it described as “perceived fraud” in the documentation of certain players.
At the heart of Nigeria’s argument lies the contentious issue of dual nationality. The NFF maintains that several DR Congo players held multiple passports, a situation it claims contravenes the Central African nation’s citizenship laws. According to guidance referenced by the federation, DR Congo does not broadly recognise dual nationality, except under limited conditions—primarily for individuals born abroad, who are required to renounce foreign citizenship upon reaching the age of 21.
Speaking in December, NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi asserted that “many” of the Congolese players in question possessed additional nationalities, raising questions about their eligibility under both national and FIFA regulations.
However, FIFA, after reviewing the complaint, dismissed the allegations, effectively upholding DR Congo’s victory and progression in the qualification series. The decision has sparked frustration within Nigerian football circles, with officials insisting that the matter is far from settled.
In a renewed show of resolve, the NFF confirmed it will pursue an appeal, signaling its intent to exhaust all available legal channels in a bid to overturn the ruling. The federation argues that the integrity of international football competition must be preserved, stressing that eligibility rules should be applied uniformly and transparently.