NFF Confirms FIFA Has Not Ruled on DR Congo Case

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has clarified that FIFA has yet to issue a decision on its complaint against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) over alleged player ineligibility during the World Cup playoffs.

NFF General Secretary Muhammed Sanusi spoke to African Independent Television (AIT) on Saturday, addressing circulating reports that FIFA had dismissed Nigeria’s case.

Earlier this month, the NFF submitted a formal protest to FIFA, claiming that DR Congo fielded players who violated the country’s citizenship laws, which do not allow dual nationality. According to the NFF, several players on the DR Congo squad held both European and Congolese passports.

Responding to online rumours, Sanusi said the federation has not received any official correspondence from FIFA regarding the matter. “Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) wrote to FIFA on the ineligibility of some of the players of DR Congo, and if there is anything, it is not the public that FIFA will reply to but the NFF,” he stated.

DR Congo defeated Nigeria 4-3 on penalties in the final of the African playoffs for the 2026 World Cup, advancing to the inter-confederation playoffs. They are set to face the winner of the match between Jamaica and New Caledonia for a chance to secure one of the final World Cup slots.

Several members of the DR Congo squad were born abroad and were recently cleared to represent the national team. Under Congolese law, children born overseas to Congolese parents may hold dual citizenship until the age of 21, at which point they must renounce any other nationality.