The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has dismissed widespread reports claiming that FIFA has delivered a verdict on Nigeria’s protest against the Democratic Republic of Congo Football Federation.

The controversy stems from Nigeria’s elimination by DR Congo’s national team, the Leopards, on penalties in the final round of the African play-offs last November, ending the Super Eagles’ hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup intercontinental play-offs.

NFF officials described circulating claims of a FIFA ruling, purportedly concerning ineligible players—as false and misleading.

Following the defeat, the NFF submitted a formal complaint to FIFA questioning the eligibility of certain DR Congo players.

The petition referenced Congolese domestic law, which largely restricts dual citizenship for adults, alleging that some players may have retained foreign nationalities, such as Belgian, English, French or Dutch—without formally renouncing prior citizenship.

NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi argued that FIFA may have been misled in clearing the players, noting that eligibility decisions typically rely on passport documentation.

However, NFF Director of Communications Ademola Olajire clarified that FIFA has not issued any ruling and has not communicated any decision to either federation.

He dismissed online speculation and fabricated documents claiming that FIFA awarded Nigeria a 3–0 victory and reinstated the Super Eagles into qualification.

The NFF urged the public to disregard such reports and await official communication.

DR Congo has rejected the allegations, insisting the result was decided fairly on the pitch.

Hérita Ilunga, the country’s Director of Football, maintained that FIFA’s definition of sporting nationality, rather than domestic citizenship law, governs player eligibility.

While FIFA retains the authority to investigate potential fraud or documentation breaches, it generally bases eligibility on submitted passports and clearance records.

For now, the case remains under review, with no official verdict issued and Nigeria’s World Cup status unchanged pending formal clarification.