The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has moved to officially quash circulating reports suggesting that FIFA has issued a final verdict regarding Nigeria’s protest against the Democratic Republic of Congo. This dispute stems from the Super Eagles’ elimination on penalties by the Leopards during the final round of the African play-offs last November. Following that result, which initially ended Nigeria’s hopes of advancing to the 2026 FIFA World Cup intercontinental play-offs, the NFF filed a formal complaint questioning the eligibility of several Congolese players based on domestic nationality laws.
In an effort to provide clarity amid growing speculation, NFF Director of Communications Ademola Olajire described online claims of a settled ruling as entirely false and misleading. He emphasized that the global governing body has not yet communicated a formal position to either federation involved in the case. “There is no decision from FIFA at this time. Any claims that a ruling has been made are false. FIFA has not communicated any verdict to the NFF or the Congolese federation,” Olajire told the 234Sports website.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, has also intervened to dismiss the rumors of a confirmed ruling. His stance was highlighted by veteran sports journalist Tony Bekederemo, who shared an update via X to ensure the public remains informed of the actual procedural status. The tweet confirmed that the NSC DG told Brila Media that FIFA has not delivered any verdict on the DR Congo 2026 World Cup issue, dismissing circulating online reports as fake news. “BREAKING 🚨 NSC DG Hon. Bukola Olopade tells Brila Media that FIFA has not delivered any verdict on the DR Congo 2026 World Cup issue, dismissing circulating online reports as fake news,” reads the post.
This official clarification is aimed at addressing fabricated documents appearing on social media which purported to show FIFA awarding Nigeria a 3–0 victory. The NFF’s original petition focuses on the allegation that certain DR Congo players retained European passports without formally renouncing their citizenship, potentially violating Congolese domestic law which largely prohibits dual nationality for adults. The federation identified several individuals reportedly holding Belgian, English, French, or Dutch passports while representing the Leopards during the crucial play-off fixture.
NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi explained that the core of the petition rests on whether FIFA was fully informed of the players’ legal status during the initial clearance process. The federation is concerned that the Congolese FA may have provided incomplete documentation when seeking approval for these dual-interest athletes. “As far as FIFA is concerned, once you have the passport of your country, you are eligible. But our concern is that FIFA may have been deceived into clearing them,” Sanusi explained to the media.
In response, the Congolese football authorities have publicly rejected the allegations, maintaining that the result on the pitch should stand. DR Congo’s Director of Football, Hérita Ilunga, stressed that eligibility is governed by FIFA’s specific definition of sporting nationality rather than the nuances of domestic citizenship law. As both nations wait for a formal announcement, the NFF continues to urge supporters to disregard any unofficial updates until a verified document is received from FIFA headquarters.
