World Cup Hope Not Over Yet As NFF Confronts FIFA Decision Over DR Congo Playoff Qualification

World Cup Hope Not Over Yet As NFF Confronts FIFA Decision Over DR Congo Playoff Qualification

By Niyi Busari 

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is preparing a formal response to a communication from FIFA regarding its petition against the Democratic Republic of Congo national football team over alleged player eligibility violations, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The dispute stems from Nigeria’s elimination after a 4–3 penalty shootout defeat—following a 1–1 draw in regulation time—to DR Congo. The NFF subsequently raised concerns that some players fielded by the Congolese side may not have met eligibility requirements, citing issues related to dual citizenship and national team representation rules.

Despite the petition, FIFA has yet to announce a final ruling on the matter. Meanwhile, the governing body has proceeded with tournament arrangements, including preparations involving DR Congo. In a recent media engagement, DR Congo head coach Sébastien Desabre discussed his team’s readiness for the upcoming FIFA intercontinental playoff scheduled to take place in Mexico.

Reacting to the situation, NFF Secretary General Mohammed Sanusi confirmed to BSN Sports that FIFA has formally contacted the federation regarding the petition. He noted that the NFF is currently reviewing the correspondence and working on an official reply.

"FIFA has written a letter to the NFF on which we are working on the response to FIFA." Sanusi told BSN Sports in an exclusive interview.

However, Sanusi declined to disclose specific details of FIFA’s letter during his remarks.

The development leaves the case unresolved, with Nigeria’s prospects of participation in the intercontinental playoff still uncertain pending FIFA’s final decision.