NFF denies FIFA DR Congo appeal

By Wellington Jopelo

The Nigeria Football Federation has dismissed claims that FIFA has rejected Nigeria’s petition against the Democratic Republic of Congo over the alleged use of ineligible players in their World Cup playoff encounter.

The football body said it has not received any official response from FIFA on the matter, contrary to reports circulating in the media.

Speaking on Saturday, NFF Secretary General, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, said the federation formally submitted a petition to FIFA and is still awaiting a reply.

“The Nigeria Football Federation wrote a petition to FIFA on the eligibility of some of the players of DR Congo, and if there is anything, FIFA will reply to the NFF,” Sanusi said.

He stressed that no correspondence has been received from world football’s governing body.

“The NFF has not received any letter from FIFA saying they have thrown away our petition. We have checked our emails, and there was no letter from FIFA,” he said.

Sanusi questioned the source of the reports, adding, “I don’t know where they got their information from. If there is any such letter, let them show it, unless they have someone in FIFA giving them information ahead of official communication.”

Nigeria had lost the playoff match 4–3 on penalties after a 1–1 draw with DR Congo in November, a result that denied the Super Eagles a place in the intercontinental playoffs for the 2026 World Cup.

The NFF maintained that its appeal is still being considered and insisted that no decision has been officially communicated by FIFA.

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