World football governing body FIFA has dismissed Nigeria’s protest challenging DR Congo’s use of an allegedly ineligible player during their crucial 2026 World Cup qualifying encounter. The ruling confirms the original result, effectively ending the Super Eagles’ hopes of qualifying for the tournament.
The outcome has drawn sharp criticism from fans and football officials, many of whom expressed frustration over the decision.
Nigeria filed a protest immediately after the match, alleging that DR Congo fielded a player who failed to meet FIFA’s eligibility rules. The Super Eagles argued that issues surrounding nationality, documentation, and previous appearances breached FIFA statutes.
However, FIFA’s adjudication panel later ruled that all regulations had been fully complied with, allowing the original result to stand.
FIFA’s decision leaves Nigeria empty-handed, with no points awarded and no replay granted, as the match result stands in the World Cup qualifiers.
The ruling has dampened spirits across Nigerian football, with stakeholders lamenting a missed opportunity for a technical lifeline.
While expressing disappointment, Super Eagles officials said they would abide by the decision and shift their focus to future battles on the pitch.
FIFA said its review was exhaustive, covering player records and federation correspondence to ensure the integrity of the qualifiers.
With the ruling deemed final and no appeal expected, attention now turns to DR Congo’s World Cup qualification campaign.
