The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has dismissed a protest filed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) concerning the Democratic Republic of Congo’s alleged use of ineligible players during the 2026 World Cup African playoff final.
In response, the NFF says it will challenge the ruling and is prepared to take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) if necessary.
Nigeria had argued that DR Congo fielded as many as six players who were not eligible to represent the country due to issues surrounding nationality switches and citizenship status under Congolese law. Among the players mentioned were high-profile defenders Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe.
The playoff final, played in November 2025, ended 1–1 before DR Congo secured a 4–3 victory in a penalty shootout, crushing Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Despite the dispute, FIFA has proceeded to include DR Congo in the schedule for the upcoming Intercontinental Play-offs in Mexico. They are set to face the winner of the Jamaica vs. New Caledonia clash on March 31, 2026.
With the tournament kicking off on March 26, the NFF now faces a race against time, having less than ten days to overturn the decision through an appeal if Nigeria is to keep any realistic qualification hopes alive.
