The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has rejected a complaint from the Nigeria Football Federation about DR Congo allegedly using ineligible players in the 2026 World Cup African playoff final.

The NFF says it will appeal the decision and is prepared to take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport if necessary.

Nigeria claimed that DR Congo used as many as six ineligible players, including Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe, due to problems with nationality changes and citizenship.

The Super Eagles lost the playoff final 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in November 2025, which ended their chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Despite the ongoing dispute, DR Congo will take part in the upcoming Intercontinental Play-offs in Mexico. They are scheduled to play the winner of the Jamaica vs New Caledonia match on March 31, 2026.

Nigeria has less than 10 days to try to overturn the decision before the Intercontinental Play-offs start on March 26, 2026.