The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has moved to address widespread reports concerning an alleged FIFA verdict on Nigeria's protest against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). These reports, suggesting a ruling in favor of either nation regarding alleged ineligible players, have been unequivocally dismissed by NFF officials as false and misleading. The dispute arose following Nigeria's elimination by the Leopards on penalties in the final round of the African play-offs last November, which dashed the Super Eagles' hopes of advancing to the 2026 FIFA World Cup intercontinental play-offs.

Following their World Cup exit, the NFF lodged a formal complaint with FIFA, questioning the eligibility of several DR Congo players. Nigeria's petition specifically highlighted DR Congo's domestic law, which largely prohibits dual citizenship for adults. The NFF contended that some Leopards players allegedly retained foreign passports, including European nationalities (such as Belgian, English, French, or Dutch), without formally renouncing their previous citizenship. NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi voiced the federation's concern that FIFA might have been deceived into clearing these players, despite typically relying on a player's country's passport for eligibility.

However, Ademola Olajire, the NFF's Director of Communications, has clarified that FIFA has not yet issued any ruling on the matter. He stated that any claims of a decision being made are entirely false and that FIFA has not communicated any verdict to either the NFF or the Congolese federation. This clarification aims to counter rampant online speculation, including fabricated documents that purported to show FIFA awarding Nigeria a 3-0 victory over DR Congo and reinstating the Super Eagles into the World Cup qualification process. The NFF has urged the public to disregard such fake reports.

DR Congo has, for its part, publicly rejected Nigeria's allegations, urging the Super Eagles to accept the outcome achieved on the pitch. Hérita Ilunga, DR Congo's Director of Football, emphasized that FIFA's definition of sporting nationality, rather than domestic citizenship law, dictates player eligibility. The Leopards' official social media channels also framed Nigeria's petition as an attempt to overturn results off the pitch, asserting that the World Cup should be played with dignity and confidence, not with 'lawyers' tricks'.

Regarding the next steps, FIFA maintains the authority to investigate any allegations of fraud or document falsification. If wrongdoing is confirmed, potential consequences could include player bans, match forfeitures, or expulsion from competitions. Nevertheless, the world football governing body generally bases its eligibility determinations on passports and documentation submitted at the time of clearance. For now, the matter remains under review by FIFA. The NFF has reaffirmed its commitment to following due process and will only provide updates once official communication is received from FIFA. Until such an official ruling is issued, all claims of a decision in favor of either Nigeria or against DR Congo remain unfounded, leaving the status of the contested players and the Super Eagles' World Cup pathway awaiting clarification.