By our reporter 17.3.2026
Nigeria Football Federation officials were grumbling Tuesday as the world football ruling body FIFA tossed its petition against Congo DR out of the window.
After the Super Eagles lost 4-3 on penalty shootout to the Leopards of Congo DR during the CAF playoff in Morocco last November, the NFF had protested that Congo fielded nine ineligible players.
The NFF confirmed on Tuesday that it has been notified by FIFA of its decision on the matter, but the NFF is considering filing an appeal.
“We have received the decision of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee on our petition, but we are not satisfied with the decision, which rejected our petition,” said NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, in a statement on Tuesday.
“I want to assure Nigerians that the NFF has immediately commenced the process of appealing the decision,”
DR Congo FA officials will be smiling their way to Mexico where their team will play in the intercontinental play offs. They will take on the winner of the tie between Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz and their New Caledonia counterparts. The playoffs begin March 31.
The Leopards are the highest ranked team and on paper they look good to win one of the two remain tickets available to the World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.