Overview
- Nigeria’s football federation has lodged a formal complaint with FIFA after losing the African play-off final to DR Congo on penalties in Morocco.
- The protest alleges DR Congo fielded ineligible players, naming Aaron Wan-Bissaka, with Nigeria citing national rules it says forbid dual citizenship and noting others allegedly hold French or Dutch passports.
- Reports say the Nigerian side has characterized the alleged violations as fraud, though no disciplinary decision has been announced.
- Should FIFA uphold the complaint, Nigeria would take DR Congo’s berth to face the winner of Jamaica versus New Caledonia on March 31 for a World Cup spot.
- NFF general secretary Mohammed Sanusi told ESPN the federation has filed the protest, declining further comment while the matter progresses.