Confirmed: FIFA dismiss Nigeria’s petition against DR Congo as NFF takes fresh action

FIFA have rejected a petition filed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) against the DR Congo national football team, Soccernet.ng reports.

Nigeria's petition initially came after they were knocked out on penalties by the Congolese team in the play-offs last November.

With DR Congo set to compete in the International play-offs in the coming weeks, the NFF, after both sides met, had sent a petition to FIFA over the eligibility of some players used in their 2026 World Cup playoff clash.

DR Congo rules don't allow individuals to hold dual citizenship, but some players in the Congolese team, like Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe, carry double passports.

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FIFA dismiss Nigeria’s petition against DR Congo, NFF take action

A few days ago, FIFA fined Nigeria and DR Congo after both nations were found guilty of separate breaches of the governing body’s disciplinary code during the match played on November 16, 2025.

The Nigerian federation was sanctioned after spectators were reported to have thrown objects during the game — an incident that falls under Articles 17 and 17.2.b of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.

As a result, FIFA fined the NFF 1,000 Swiss francs for failing to maintain proper order and security during the match, while DR Congo were fined 5,000 Swiss francs after their supporters were found to have used laser pointers or similar electronic devices during the encounter.

Now, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has officially ruled against Nigeria’s petition, giving DR Congo a go-through ahead of their play-offs in the coming days.

Despite the setback, the Nigerian Football Federation have confirmed they will challenge FIFA's ruling

After receiving the decision, NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi stated that the federation has already started the process of 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.

“I want to assure Nigerians that the NFF has immediately commenced the process of appealing the decision,” Dr Sanusi said as revealed on the NFF's official website.

With FIFA dismissing the original complaint, the NFF’s appeal represents Nigeria’s final avenue to challenge the outcome of the playoff.

The federation remains hopeful that a review of the case could lead to a different verdict regarding the eligibility of the Congolese players involved.