The Nigeria Football Federation has asked FIFA to investigate whether the Democratic Republic of Congo used ineligible players during the CAF playoff that decided Africa’s spot in the intercontinental World Cup playoff.
The match ended with DR Congo beating Nigeria on penalties.
NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi told reporters the complaint says DR Congo “misled FIFA in the player clearance process.”
He said the football body approved players based on documents and assurances from the Congolese federation.
“FIFA was deceived into clearing those players because it is not FIFA’s responsibility to interpret or enforce domestic citizenship laws,” Sanusi said.
Sanusi noted that Congolese law generally does not allow dual nationality and argued that some players cleared to play hold other passports.
“It is not FIFA’s duty to know the domestic laws of every country,” he added, explaining why Nigeria filed the petition.
The probe could cover between six and nine players who switched associations or were cleared without full compliance with national rules and FIFA statutes.
FIFA is reviewing the evidence and could impose penalties if rules were broken.
The NFF said it awaits FIFA’s decision and noted that any ruling could affect whether Nigeria advances to the intercontinental playoff.
For now, Nigeria remains on standby.
