NFF awaits FIFA verdict on DR Congo protest

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) says it is still awaiting FIFA’s decision on its protest against DR Congo following the Super Eagles’ defeat in the 2026 World Cup qualifying playoff, a result that ended Nigeria’s campaign on penalties.

Nigeria lost the decisive playoff after a tense match finished 1–1 before DR Congo won the shootout, securing a place in the intercontinental playoffs. The NFF later filed a complaint with FIFA, alleging that the Congolese side fielded ineligible players during the fixture.

NFF General Secretary Dr Sanusi Mohammed insisted the federation would not have pursued the case without strong grounds. “We have a good case and we are waiting for what FIFA will say,” he said.

The Super Eagles, who last appeared at the World Cup in 2018, hope the verdict could reopen a path back into the qualification race if FIFA rules in Nigeria’s favour.