Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, has said Nigeria has a strong case following a petition filed by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) to FIFA over the eligibility of players used by DR Congo.
The petition came after Nigeria’s defeat to DR Congo in the African World Cup playoffs. The NFF alleges that DR Congo fielded players who did not fully meet FIFA nationality requirements before being cleared to represent the country.
NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi stated that some of the players involved reportedly held European passports, raising concerns that their eligibility clearances may have been obtained improperly.
Dikko stressed that Nigeria’s complaint is grounded strictly in FIFA regulations and not driven by emotions over the match result.
According to Dikko, the concerns centre on whether all procedural and regulatory requirements were properly followed by DR Congo before the players were allowed to compete.
In response, the DR Congo Football Federation dismissed the claims in a social media post, cautioning against attempts to influence match outcomes outside the pitch. FIFA has since confirmed receipt of the petition and is currently reviewing the submitted documents.
If FIFA determines that any rules were violated, DR Congo could face sanctions, including possible disqualification.
Such a decision could see Nigeria, or the next eligible team, reinstated for the intercontinental playoff scheduled for March. FIFA has not announced a timeline for its ruling.
