Nigeria awaits FIFA verdict on DR Congo World Cup protest

Nigeria awaits FIFA verdict on DR Congo World Cup protest

Nigeria is on edge as the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) is scheduled to deliver a high-stakes ruling today on a formal protest lodged by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) contesting the eligibility of several Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) players during the African qualification play-offs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup .  What the Protest Is About The NFF filed its complaint on 15 December 2025 , following Nigeria’s elimination in the AFCON play-off final against DR Congo in November 2025 .  Nigeria finished the tie 1–1 after extra time and lost on penalties.  Nigeria’s argument centres on allegations that up to six DR Congo players were ineligible under Congolese nationality law — which does not recognise dual citizenship — despite having been cleared to play by FIFA on the basis of holding valid Congolese passports.  The NFF contends that the Congolese FA misled FIFA , potentially undermining the integrity of the qualifying process.  The Stakes for Nigeri…