NFF to Appeal FIFA's Decision on DR Congo Player Eligibility

The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) is set to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) following FIFA's rejection of Nigeria's petition against the Democratic Republic of Congo. The petition was related to the disqualification of an ineligible player during the African playoff final held in Morocco last November.

NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi revealed that the federation does not accept FIFA's verdict, which was based on the late submission of the petition on November 16, 2025. FIFA's disciplinary committee did not consider the merits of Nigeria's protest, as the complaint was not submitted within the acceptable timeframe, and the accompanying protest fee was not paid.

Nigeria's protest was based on allegations of perceived fraud regarding the issuance of passports that allowed certain DR Congo players to qualify for the playoff. The NFF aims to overturn FIFA's decision through the appeal process, despite the upcoming interconfederation playoff involving six nations.