6 Days To Playoff : NFF Rejects FIFA Verdict, Files Appeal Over Player Eligibility Ruling

6 Days To Playoff : NFF Rejects FIFA Verdict, Files Appeal Over Player Eligibility Ruling 

By Niyi Busari 

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has initiated an appeal against a ruling by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, which dismissed its petition concerning player eligibility in a 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff match against the Democratic Republic of the Congo, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi confirmed that the federation had formally begun the appeals process, expressing dissatisfaction with the outcome of the initial review.

“We have received the decision of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee on our petition, but we are not satisfied with the ruling, which rejected our claims. I want to assure Nigerians that the NFF has immediately commenced the process of appealing the decision,” Sanusi said.

The NFF had lodged its complaint with FIFA shortly after the playoff, citing alleged irregularities in the issuance of passports to several players fielded by the Congolese team. The federation argued that these documentation concerns raised questions over the players’ eligibility for the match.

The decisive fixture took place on November 16, 2025, at the Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium, serving as the final of the African playoffs.

The match ended 1–1 after regulation and extra time, before the Democratic Republic of Congo secured victory via a sudden-death penalty shootout, sealing qualification at Nigeria’s expense.