NFF Updates on FIFA Petition Against DR Congo's World Cup Spot

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has submitted a petition to FIFA concerning the qualification of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The NFF claims that six Congolese players are ineligible due to dual citizenship, which violates Congolese constitutional provisions that prohibit holding dual nationality.

This petition follows Nigeria's disappointment in missing the World Cup for the second consecutive time. NFF's Sanusi confirmed in an interview that the federation is proceeding with the case, believing they have strong arguments.

He noted that the NFF is awaiting FIFA's decision, expressing hope for a favorable ruling. This is not the first instance where Nigeria has benefited from a petition filed against another team, as seen in a previous case where FIFA penalized South Africa by deducting points for fielding an ineligible player during a World Cup qualifier.