No Decision Yet", Says NFF Amid Speculation Over World Cup Play-Off Dispute

"No Decision Yet", Says NFF Amid Speculation Over World Cup Play-Off Dispute

By Admin 

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has dismissed reports claiming that FIFA has delivered a verdict on Nigeria’s protest over player eligibility in its World Cup qualifying dispute with the DR Congo national football team, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Nigeria were eliminated on penalties by DR Congo in the final round of the African play-offs last November, ending the Super Eagles’ hopes of progressing to the intercontinental play-offs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In the aftermath of the defeat, the NFF lodged a formal complaint with FIFA, questioning the eligibility of several Congolese players.

The federation’s petition centres on the Democratic Republic of Congo’s domestic nationality laws, which largely prohibit dual citizenship for adults. The NFF raised concerns that certain DR Congo players allegedly hold European passports while representing the Leopards, arguing that this may conflict with Congolese law.

However, the NFF has now clarified that FIFA has not issued any decision on the matter. Ademola Olajire, the federation’s Director of Communications, described circulating reports suggesting a ruling in favour of either country as “false and misleading.”

“There is no decision from FIFA at this time. Any claims that a ruling has been made are false. FIFA has not communicated any verdict to the NFF or the Congolese federation,” Olajire said in comments published by 234Sports.

The clarification follows widespread online speculation, including fabricated documents alleging that FIFA had awarded Nigeria a 3–0 victory and reinstated the Super Eagles in the qualification process. The NFF said such claims are entirely false and urged the public to disregard them.

Background to the protest

In its submission to FIFA, the NFF argued that some Congolese players may have retained foreign nationalities — including Belgian, English, French or Dutch passports — without formally renouncing prior citizenship, as required under DR Congo’s domestic law.

NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi stated that the federation sought clarification from FIFA amid concerns that incomplete or misleading documentation could have been submitted during the player clearance process.

“As far as FIFA is concerned, once you have the passport of your country, you are eligible. But our concern is that FIFA may have been deceived into clearing them,” Sanusi said.

Under FIFA regulations, player eligibility in international competitions is generally determined by sporting nationality and the possession of a valid passport at the time of clearance.

DR Congo rejects allegations

The Congolese Football Association has firmly denied Nigeria’s claims and urged the Super Eagles to accept the result on the pitch. Hérita Ilunga, the federation’s Director of Football, said FIFA’s rules — not domestic citizenship law — govern international eligibility.

“If that is the case, I advise my dear Naija to focus instead on AFCON,” Ilunga said, dismissing the protest.

On social media, the Leopards also criticised Nigeria’s move, characterising it as an attempt to reverse the outcome through administrative channels rather than sporting merit.

Awaiting FIFA’s decision

FIFA retains the authority to investigate allegations of fraud or falsified documentation. Should any wrongdoing be established, sanctions could range from player suspensions to match forfeitures or expulsion from competition. However, the governing body typically relies on official documentation submitted during the eligibility review process.

For now, the case remains under review. The NFF has pledged to await formal communication from FIFA and reiterated that no ruling has been issued.

Until an official decision is announced, reports suggesting that Nigeria has been reinstated or that DR Congo has been sanctioned remain unsubstantiated. When FIFA delivers its ruling, it will determine the status of the contested players and clarify Nigeria’s pathway in the 2026 World Cup qualification process.