No FIFA Verdict Yet on Nigeria Protest, NFF Speaks

By: Gyang Dakwo

Rumours have been flying, but the Nigeria Football Federation has said there is no decision yet from FIFA on its protest against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The issue began after Nigeria lost on penalties to the Leopards in the final round of the African play-offs last November, and that defeat ended the Super Eagles’ hopes of reaching the intercontinental play-offs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

After the match, the NFF sent a formal complaint to FIFA because it questioned the eligibility of some DR Congo players. The federation argued that Congolese law does not recognise dual nationality, and it raised concerns about players who hold European passports while representing the Leopards.

Online posts have claimed that FIFA awarded Nigeria a 3 0 victory and reinstated the Super Eagles for the next stage of World Cup qualification,

Now the federation has cleared the air as Ademola Olajire, Director of Communications of the NFF, described reports claiming that a decision has been taken 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,” Olajire disclosed.

The NFF said those documents are fabricated. The federation warned that such reports are entirely fake and should be disregarded.