The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has dismissed reports claiming that FIFA has issued a verdict regarding Nigeria’s protest against the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo).
The controversy stems from Nigeria’s elimination by DR Congo during the African zone World Cup play-offs last November. The Nigeria national football team (Super Eagles) were knocked out after a penalty shootout defeat, ending their hopes of advancing to the intercontinental play-offs.
Following the match, the NFF lodged a formal complaint with FIFA, alleging that DR Congo fielded ineligible players.
The protest reportedly centers on Congolese nationality laws, which do not recognize dual citizenship. The NFF questioned whether some DR Congo players who hold European passports were eligible to represent the Leopards.
Ademola Olajire, Director of Communications for the NFF, described circulating reports of a FIFA ruling as false.
“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.”
As of now, FIFA has not issued any official statement on the matter.
The arrival of U.S. military advisers signals strengthened U.S.–Nigeria security cooperation, particularly in counterterrorism and intelligence capacity-building.
Meanwhile, the NFF’s clarification underscores that the 2026 World Cup eligibility dispute remains unresolved, and any reports suggesting a final FIFA verdict are premature.
Stakeholders in both national security and Nigerian football are expected to closely monitor developments in the coming weeks.
