Nigeria Football Federation awaits FIFA ruling on DR Congo player eligibility

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is currently awaiting a final ruling from FIFA, which is reportedly expected on February 15, 2026, regarding its protest against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) for fielding allegedly ineligible players.

The dispute centers on Nigeria's claim that DR Congo utilized up to six players—including high-profile individuals like Aaron Wan-Bissaka—who held dual nationality in violation of Congolese law, which prohibits dual citizenship.

The NFF submitted its formal petition following the Super Eagles' penalty shootout defeat (4-3) to DR Congo in the CAF World Cup playoff final in November 2025.

NFF Secretary General Dr. Mohammed Sanusi maintains that while FIFA cleared the players based on provided documentation, the DR Congo Football Association (FECOFA) misled the governing body by failing to disclose that these players had not formally renounced their previous nationalities.

NFF officials have expressed strong confidence in a favorable verdict, citing a "tight case" based on established FIFA statutes and previous precedents where teams were penalized for fielding ineligible players.

If FIFA rules in Nigeria's favor, the Super Eagles could be reinstated into the Intercontinental Playoffs scheduled for March 2026 in Mexico, where they would likely face the winner of a tie between Jamaica and New Caledonia.

Despite rumors in late 2025 that the petition had been dismissed, the NFF confirmed as recently as February 1, 2026, that it has received no official rejection from FIFA and that the case remains under review.