FIFA Dismisses Nigeria Protest Over DR Congo Player Eligibility

Kenya, December 18 2025 - FIFA has dismissed Nigeria’s protest regarding the participation of an allegedly ineligible player fielded by DR Congo in their recent 2026 World Cup qualifying match, upholding the result of the fixture. The match, which saw Nigeria get eliminated from the qualifiers, was not taken well by the Super Eagles.

The Super Eagles had complained immediately after the match, arguing that DR Congo had violated FIFA eligibility rules. Nigeria claimed that the player in question did not meet the criteria to represent the Congolese national team under FIFA statutes, which govern nationality, documentation, and prior national team appearances.

Despite these claims, FIFA’s adjudication body reviewed the evidence submitted by both associations and concluded that DR Congo had complied with all regulatory requirements, leaving the original match outcome intact. The decision means that Nigeria will not gain any points or replay of the fixture, and the result stands in the 2026 World Cup qualifying standings.

The ruling has sparked disappointment among Nigerian fans and football stakeholders, who had hoped that a technical protest might alter the outcome in their favour. Super Eagles officials expressed frustration but indicated that they respect FIFA’s decision and will now focus on upcoming matches and show their support for Africa’s representatives in the 2026 World Cup.