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NFF Denies FIFA Rejected Petition Over DR Congo Player Eligibility, Says Case Still Under Review

Published

4 weeks ago

December 29, 2025

NFF Denies FIFA Rejected Petition Over DR Congo Player Eligibility, Says Case Still Under Review

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has dismissed reports claiming that FIFA has rejected its petition concerning the eligibility of DR Congo players, insisting the matter is still under review.

The controversy stems from Nigeria’s 4–3 penalty defeat to DR Congo in the African play-off final for the 2026 World Cup following a 1–1 draw in November. Since then, speculation has circulated that FIFA had quietly dismissed Nigeria’s appeal.

Speaking on AIT, NFF Secretary General Dr Mohammed Sanusi clarified that no such decision has been communicated.

“The Nigeria Football Federation has not received any letter from FIFA saying our petition has been rejected,” Sanusi said. “We have checked our emails and there is nothing from FIFA. If anyone claims otherwise, let them show the evidence.”

Nigeria’s petition alleges that several DR Congo players fielded in the match were ineligible under FIFA regulations and Congolese national law, which does not recognise dual citizenship. Players such as Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe, who hold European passports, were cleared to play, prompting Nigeria to claim FIFA was misled.

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“Our position is that FIFA was deceived into clearing them,” Sanusi said. “The law in Congo does not allow dual nationality. We believe there is a clear breach, and that breach is fraudulent.”

Meanwhile, DR Congo’s football body, Fecofa, strongly rejected Nigeria’s claims, describing the petition as an attempt to overturn the result off the pitch. The body urged Nigeria to “play the World Cup with dignity and confidence, not with lawyer tricks,” branding the Super Eagles as “bad losers.”

Under FIFA statutes, players may switch national teams only once, subject to approval by the Players’ Status Committee, and eligibility must comply with the country’s nationality laws. FIFA can dismiss protests for lack of evidence, investigate for potential fines or warnings, or impose sporting sanctions such as match forfeiture.

Past precedents include South Africa being docked points for fielding a suspended player and Equatorial Guinea sanctioned over player eligibility, though points were not restored in the latter case.

Nigeria is hopeful that FIFA’s final ruling could reopen their path to the intercontinental play-offs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. For now, the NFF insists the matter is far from over.

NFF Denies FIFA Rejected Petition Over DR Congo Player Eligibility, Says Case Still Under Review

Related Topics:DR Congo fifa NFF Player Eligibility

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Casemiro Set to Leave Manchester United as Contract Nears Expiry

Published

2 days ago

January 23, 2026

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Casemiro Set to Leave Manchester United as Contract Nears Expiry

Manchester United have confirmed that Casemiro will leave Old Trafford at the end of the 2025/26 season, marking the end of the Brazilian midfielder’s four-year spell with the club.

The decision follows United’s choice not to activate the one-year extension clause in Casemiro’s contract, as the club moves ahead with a squad rebuild aimed at reducing wages and refreshing the midfield. The 33-year-old joined United from Real Madrid in 2022 and quickly became a key figure in the dressing room and on the pitch.

In an emotional message to fans, Casemiro thanked the club and supporters for their backing, saying he would carry “eternal respect” for Manchester United while remaining fully committed for the rest of the season.

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During his time at United, Casemiro made over 140 appearances, scoring crucial goals and playing a central role in the club’s recent silverware, including the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup. His leadership and experience were particularly vital during United’s return to the UEFA Champions League.

The Brazilian’s exit comes amid wider changes at the club, with Manchester United planning a summer midfield revamp as they push to remain competitive domestically and in Europe. Reports suggest Casemiro could attract interest from Saudi Arabia, Major League Soccer (MLS) or a return to Brazil, where his experience remains highly valued.

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Casemiro Set to Leave Manchester United as Contract Nears Expiry

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Super Eagles Most Impressive Team at AFCON 2025 – Yaya Touré

Published

4 days ago

January 21, 2026

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Super Eagles Most Impressive Team at AFCON 2025 – Yaya Touré

Former African football icon Yaya Touré has described Nigeria’s Super Eagles as the most impressive team at AFCON 2025, praising their attacking quality, discipline and consistency throughout the tournament in Morocco.

The former Ivory Coast captain said Nigeria stood out among the continent’s best despite failing to reach the final, noting that the Super Eagles combined exciting attacking football with strong organisation at the back. According to Touré, Nigeria’s style of play and overall impact made them his top performers at the tournament.

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Under head coach Éric Chelle, the Super Eagles enjoyed a strong AFCON campaign, winning the majority of their matches and emerging as one of the highest-scoring teams at the competition. Nigeria reached the semi-finals, where they narrowly lost to hosts Morocco on penalties, before defeating Egypt to secure the bronze medal.

Touré’s praise adds to the growing recognition Nigeria has received following AFCON 2025. The team’s impressive run also contributed to an improvement in their FIFA ranking, reinforcing optimism around the squad ahead of upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

As celebrations continue back home, Touré’s endorsement has further strengthened the belief that the Super Eagles are firmly back among Africa’s elite football nations, with a promising future on both the continental and global stage.

Super Eagles Most Impressive Team at AFCON 2025 – Yaya Touré

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Mbappé Nets Brace as Real Madrid Demolish Monaco 6–1

Published

4 days ago

January 21, 2026

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Mbappé Nets Brace as Real Madrid Demolish Monaco 6–1

Kylian Mbappé scored twice as Real Madrid delivered a ruthless performance to thrash AS Monaco 6–1 at the Santiago Bernabéu, sending a strong statement in the UEFA Champions League and easing pressure after recent domestic setbacks.

The French superstar wasted no time against his former club, opening the scoring early before adding a second inside the first half to take his Champions League goals tally into double figures this season. His sharp finishing set the tone for a dominant night in Madrid.

Vinícius Júnior was equally influential, tormenting the Monaco defence with pace and creativity. The Brazilian capped his display with a fine goal and an assist, while Jude Bellingham added his name to the scoresheet late on as Madrid ran riot.

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Further goals came through teenage prospect Franco Mastantuono and a Thilo Kehrer own goal, highlighting Monaco’s defensive collapse. The visitors managed only a consolation strike, offering little resistance as Madrid controlled possession and tempo throughout.

The emphatic victory lifts Real Madrid into a strong position in the Champions League standings, keeping them firmly on course for automatic qualification to the knockout stage. For Monaco, the heavy defeat leaves their European hopes hanging by a thread.

The result also marks a positive start under new head coach Álvaro Arbeloa, with Madrid fans buoyed by one of the club’s most complete performances of the season as the race for European glory intensifies.