The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has moved to quash circulating reports suggesting that FIFA has issued a verdict regarding Nigeria’s protest against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) over alleged ineligible players.
The dispute follows Nigeria’s elimination on penalties by the Leopards in the final round of the African play-offs last November.
This result ended the Super Eagles’ hopes of advancing to the intercontinental play-offs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In the aftermath, the NFF filed a formal complaint with FIFA, questioning the eligibility of several DR Congo players. The federation argued that under Congolese law, dual nationality is not recognised, raising concerns about players holding European passports while representing the Leopards.
NFF officials have now clarified that FIFA has not yet issued any ruling on the matter. Ademola Olajire, the federation’s Director of Communications, described reports claiming a decision in favour of either Nigeria or DR Congo 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,” Mr Olajire told Olukayode Thomas’ 234Sports website.
The clarification appears aimed at addressing widespread online speculation, including fabricated documents purporting to show FIFA awarding Nigeria a 3–0 victory over DR Congo and reinstating the Super Eagles for the next stage of World Cup qualification.
The NFF warned that such reports are entirely fake and should be disregarded.
