NFF Dismisses Rumors of FIFA Rejection in DR Congo Dispute

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has moved to douse the flames of speculation surrounding its ongoing eligibility dispute with the Democratic Republic of Congo. Amid swirling reports that football’s world governing body, FIFA, had already dismissed Nigeria’s petition, the federation clarified that no such communication has reached its offices. The dispute centers on the eligibility of specific Congolese players who featured in the high-stakes 2026 World Cup African play-off final against the Super Eagles just a few weeks ago.

The NFF’s stance is a direct rebuttal to various media claims suggesting that the Super Eagles’ quest for justice had reached a dead end. Following Nigeria’s painful defeat in the play-off final, rumors began to circulate that FIFA had reviewed and subsequently thrown out the Nigerian appeal. However, the federation’s top brass has categorically stated that the matter remains live and is still under consideration by the appropriate judicial bodies in Zurich.

NFF Secretary General, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, addressed the development directly, providing much-needed clarity on the administrative status of the petition. Speaking in a recent interview, Sanusi emphasized that the NFF is the primary party in this case and would be the first to know if a verdict had been reached. He noted that the federation has been diligent in monitoring all official channels of communication for any sign of a response.

According to Sanusi, the NFF formally petitioned FIFA after gathering evidence regarding the status of certain players fielded by DR Congo. The core of the complaint rests on the technicalities of player nationality and the documentation required for those switching allegiances. Sanusi made it clear that until FIFA sends an official correspondence to the NFF, any reports of a dismissal are purely speculative and lack a factual basis.

The Secretary General expressed bewilderment at the source of the misinformation that has dominated the digital space over the last 48 hours. He challenged those spreading the news of a rejection to produce the letter they are referencing, pointing out that even the federation’s digital records show no such interaction. “We have checked our emails, and there was no letter from FIFA,” Sanusi stated, casting doubt on the credibility of the reports.

This administrative battle has become a focal point for Nigerian football fans who are still reeling from the Super Eagles’ inability to secure a World Cup ticket on the pitch. For many, the eligibility challenge represents a glimmer of hope for a potential reversal of fortunes, although FIFA’s history of overturning results based on technicalities is a complex and often uphill climb. The NFF, however, remains committed to following the legal process to its logical conclusion.

The lack of official updates from FIFA is not entirely unusual, as the world body often takes its time to thoroughly investigate nationality claims. These investigations involve verifying birth certificates, previous international appearances, and residency records, often across multiple jurisdictions. The NFF appears content to wait for a verified response rather than reacting to the noise of the rumor mill.

Sanusi also hinted at the possibility that some media outlets might be relying on unofficial “leaks” that have not been vetted. He warned that unless these sources have direct, high-level access to FIFA’s internal communications before they are officially dispatched, the information remains unreliable. The federation is urging stakeholders and the public to remain patient and wait for an official statement from the NFF or FIFA itself.

The situation remains delicate, as the 2026 World Cup planning continues to move forward. Nigeria’s absence from the tournament would be a significant blow both economically and for the morale of the nation’s footballing community. By pursuing this petition, the NFF is attempting to ensure that the rules of the game were strictly adhered to during one of the most critical matches in the African qualifying calendar.

As it stands, the Super Eagles and their supporters are in a state of administrative limbo. The NFF has done its part by lodging the formal complaint, and the burden of proof now rests with the documentation provided to FIFA’s disciplinary or eligibility committees. Until that final letter arrives in the NFF’s inbox, the dream of a late reprieve remains, however slim, alive.

The federation has promised to make any official communication public as soon as it is received. For now, the focus remains on institutional patience and the hope that the integrity of the qualifying process is upheld. The NFF’s clarification serves as a reminder that in the world of high-stakes sports politics, the official word is the only one that truly counts.