Football’s world governing body, FIFA, has reportedly dismissed Nigeria’s appeal concerning the eligibility of several Democratic Republic of Congo players. This decision effectively ends the Super Eagles’ hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The appeal stemmed from Nigeria’s penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo in the CAF playoff final on November 16. The Super Eagles had initially taken the lead through Victor Osimhen, but DR Congo equalized via Cédric Bakambu, forcing the match into a penalty shootout which Nigeria ultimately lost 4-3.
Following this crucial loss, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) lodged a formal protest on December 16. The NFF alleged that as many as nine DR Congo players, including prominent names like Aaron Wan-Bissaka, may have violated FIFA’s regulations regarding dual nationality.
However, according to reports from The Nation newspaper, FIFA’s review found the NFF’s petition lacking in substantiating evidence. The governing body stated that the presented claims did not meet the threshold required to overturn the match outcome or disqualify the players in question.
This ruling marks a significant setback for Nigerian football and its aspirations for the next global tournament. The NFF had placed considerable hope on this appeal to rectify what they perceived as an unfair qualification process.
The decision by FIFA underscores the stringent evidentiary requirements in international football disputes. For the DR Congo, this confirmation solidifies their advancement in the qualification pathway, leaving Nigeria to regroup and refocus on future tournaments.
