‘The NFF has not received any letter from FIFA’ - NFF president claims their petition is still running

He stated that the case concerning the eligibility of several Congolese players remains under review.

Widespread speculation suggested that the world football governing body had thrown out Nigeria's appeal. 

The protest was lodged after the Super Eagles were defeated 4-3 on penalties by DR Congo in a 2026 World Cup play-off final in November, following a 1-1 draw.

NFF Secretary General, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, addressed the issue, confirming that no official decision has been communicated by FIFA.

"The Nigeria Football Federation wrote a petition to FIFA on the eligibility of some of the players of DR Congo, and if there is anything, FIFA will reply to the NFF," Sanusi stated in an interview with AIT. 

"The NFF has not received any letter from FIFA saying they have thrown away our petition. We have checked our emails, and there was no letter from FIFA."

He challenged the source of the contrary reports, adding, "I don’t know where they got their information from. 

“If there is any such letter, let them show it, unless they have someone in FIFA giving them information ahead of official communication."

Nigeria's case argues that several players fielded by DR Congo, including Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe, were ineligible to play. 

The NFF contends that Congolese law prohibits dual citizenship, which would disqualify players holding passports from other nations.

The NFF has confirmed the submission of legal arguments and supporting documents and is awaiting a formal response from FIFA.