Idman.biz
Nigeria, competing in the qualifying round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has lost to FIFA in legal terms. The complaint of the national team, which also includes Viktor Osimhen, a striker for Turkey's Galatasaray, against the Democratic Republic of Congo was not accepted by the supreme football body.
İdman.Biz reports that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) appealed to FIFA, claiming that the opposing team had illegally changed the national team selection of 6-9 players. After an investigation lasting approximately four months, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee dismissed Nigeria's appeal, deeming the allegations unfounded.
The Secretary General of the Nigeria Football Federation, Mohammed Sanusi, stated that they were dissatisfied with the decision and had started the appeal process:
"We have received the decision of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, but we are not satisfied with the outcome. As a federation, we have immediately filed an appeal. We believe that although those players appear to be in compliance with the rules on paper, the opposing side deceived FIFA."
It should be reminded that in the play-off final held on November 16, 2025, the Democratic Republic of Congo defeated Nigeria in a penalty shootout to advance to the next stage. Now, Nigeria is expected to take the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). However, it is questionable whether this process will be completed before the intercontinental play-off games, which will begin on March 26.
According to the current decision, the Democratic Republic of Congo will play a decisive match against the winner of the New Caledonia - Jamaica pair on March 31 for a ticket to the World Cup.
