FIFA rejects Nigeria’s petition to disqualify DR Congo from 2026 World Cup qualifiers
The world football governing body, FIFA, has rejected a petition filed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) seeking the disqualification of DR Congo from the 2026 World Cup playoffs over the use of ineligible players against Nigeria in the African playoff last year.
In a statement on Tuesday, the NFF confirmed that the FIFA Disciplinary Committee rejected its petition but noted that it has immediately commenced the process of appealing the verdict.
“We have received the decision of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee on our petition, but we are not satisfied with the decision, which rejected our petition. I want to assure Nigerians that the NFF has immediately commenced the process of appealing the decision,” NFF general secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, said.
The NFF has less than 10 days to successfully appeal the decision before the 2026 World Cup inter-confederation playoff tournament, scheduled to begin in Mexico on March 26.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Sport
WAFU U-20: Flying Eagles beat Togo 3-0, qualify for semi-finals
Nigeria will face Burkina Faso on Sunday.
Economy
Seplat sells 10% JV stake to NNPC for $281.6 million
Seplat said the transaction remains subject to regulatory approvals and other customary conditions, with completion expected in the second half of 2026.
Africa
Oprah to close her South Africa-based girls’ school after 20 years
She said the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls (OWLAG) will be handed over to local authorities in South Africa.
Lagos
CITAB rejects Lagos’ proposed special number plates for persons living with disabilities
The group stated that the government is out of touch with the realities faced by most disabled people.
Africa
15 elephants died of cyanide poisoning in Kenya: Official
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) confirmed the elephants were killed by cyanide poisoning based on preliminary investigations.
States
Efforts ongoing to rescue abducted Ogun Gateway ICT poly students: Police
The students were abducted on Wednesday night after an attack on their residence in Ipara, Remo North Local Government Area.
