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NFF Appeals to CAS After FIFA Rejects Nigeria’s Dual Nationality Protest Against DR Congo With World Cup Playoffs Days Away

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Nigeria’s bid to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup through the back door has been dealt a severe blow, with FIFA formally rejecting the Nigeria Football Federation’s petition challenging the eligibility of several players fielded by DR Congo in their decisive playoff clash in Rabat last November — but the NFF has immediately escalated the battle, filing a formal appeal to keep alive a dwindling hope of redemption.

The NFF’s petition alleged irregularities in the issuance of passports that qualified certain Congolese players for the November 16, 2025 playoff fixture in Rabat, Morocco — a match that ended 1-1 before DR Congo advanced to the next stage via a 4-3 penalty shootout victory.

On the central legal argument, the NFF’s case rests on a clash between Congolese domestic law and FIFA’s own regulations. Nigeria argued that DR Congo’s national law does not recognise dual citizenship for adults, raising questions about players believed to hold European passports — including French and Dutch passports — while simultaneously representing the Congolese national team. The NFF’s position was that FIFA had been deceived into clearing those players, since it is not the governing body’s responsibility to ensure individual nations’ citizenship laws are being observed. FIFA, however, operates on a different standard entirely, requiring only that a player hold a valid passport from the country they represent — a threshold all disputed players met through possession of valid Congolese passports, and on that basis FIFA had initially cleared them.

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee reviewed the NFF’s submission and found insufficient evidence to support the allegations of ineligibility, allowing the original result to stand — a ruling that represents a significant blow to Nigeria’s residual World Cup qualification hopes and effectively closes down a key pathway to the 2026 tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The NFF, however, has made clear this is not the end of the road. NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi confirmed the federation’s dissatisfaction and announced that an appeal process had been immediately commenced through the appropriate legal channels. The clock, however, is brutally unforgiving — the NFF has less than 10 days to successfully prosecute its appeal before the 2026 World Cup intercontinental playoff tournament kicks off in Mexico on March 26.

Cameroon had separately filed a related petition making similar allegations, with both countries joining forces to challenge what they described as a systemic abuse of player eligibility rules in African football. DR Congo, having survived Nigeria’s elimination challenge, is set to face the winner of the semifinal between New Caledonia and Jamaica in the intercontinental playoff — with two of the six remaining World Cup berths on offer in that tournament.

The stakes for Nigerian football could not be higher. Nigeria missed the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and failure to reach the 2026 edition would mark the first time the Super Eagles have failed to qualify for consecutive World Cups since making their debut on the global stage — a sobering prospect for a football nation that considers itself among Africa’s elite.

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MK Dons Captain Favour Omenazu Gets First Super Falcons Call-Up After Choosing Nigeria

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Milton Keynes Dons captain Favour Omenazu has received her first-ever call-up to the Nigeria senior women’s national team after committing her international future to the Super Falcons.

Omenazu was included in Nigeria’s squad for the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympic qualifying fixtures against Comoros, marking a major milestone in the 24-year-old’s career.

The midfielder, who is also eligible to represent England, publicly expressed her desire to play for Nigeria earlier this year. She said representing the country would be a proud moment because of her Nigerian heritage and family roots.

Omenazu also said her ambition was not simply to earn a place in the national team but to contribute to the Super Falcons’ success.

The MK Dons captain has developed into an important player for the English club and is known for her versatility. Although she primarily operates as a midfielder, she has also impressed at right-back, a position where she has earned several Player of the Match awards.

Her football journey began at Leicester City before spells with Bugbrooke St Michaels, Northampton Town and Stourbridge preceded her move to MK Dons.

Omenazu’s invitation comes as Nigeria prepares for a two-legged Olympic qualifying tie against Comoros.

The first leg is scheduled for October 9, while the return fixture will take place on October 13. Both matches are set to be played at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo because Comoros does not have a CAF-approved venue for the fixture.

The Super Falcons have also been dealing with several player withdrawals ahead of the qualifiers, creating opportunities for new faces to join the squad.

Omenazu has now joined the group in camp as Nigeria begins preparations for the crucial Olympic qualifying encounter.

The call-up gives the MK Dons captain an opportunity to make her senior international debut and begin her journey with the Super Falcons after choosing Nigeria over England.

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BREAKING: Cristiano Ronaldo Walks Away From Portugal Camp After Jorge Jesus Snub

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Cristiano Ronaldo has sensationally walked away from Portugal’s national-team camp after head coach Jorge Jesus confirmed that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner would not start the upcoming match against Denmark.
The dramatic development follows Ronaldo’s shock omission from Portugal’s 2–1 victory over Norway, where he spent the entire match on the bench despite warming up.


Ronaldo has now broken his silence, revealing that he decided to leave the camp following Jesus’ press conference and a conversation with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença.


“After the press conference of the National Team Coach, and following a conversation with the President of the Portuguese Football Federation, I decided to leave the National Team camp,” Ronaldo said.


The Portugal captain added that he would eventually reveal the reasons behind his decision, before wishing the national team and his teammates well.


The timing has immediately raised questions over whether Ronaldo has effectively called time on his international career.
However, there is currently no confirmed official announcement that Ronaldo has permanently retired from international football. What is confirmed is that he has left the camp amid an escalating dispute over his role under Jorge Jesus.

After more than two decades of carrying Portugal’s No. 7 shirt, the football world is now waiting for Ronaldo’s next move — and, crucially, the explanation he has promised to give.

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Super Eagles Beat Madagascar 2-1 in AFCON 2027 Qualifier as Ilenikhena, Usor Score

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Nigeria’s Super Eagles have begun their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.

The visitors took an early lead in the 16th minute when Clément Couturier headed Ryan Ponti’s cross beyond the Nigerian defence to put Madagascar 1-0 ahead.

Nigeria responded with sustained pressure as George Ilenikhena came close on several occasions. The young forward eventually got his reward in first-half stoppage time after Alex Iwobi picked him out inside the box. Ilenikhena calmly placed the ball into the bottom-left corner to restore parity.

The Super Eagles returned for the second half looking for a winner, with Ademola Lookman and Calvin Bassey both going close.

Coach Eric Chelle then made changes, bringing on Moses Usor and Moses Simon in an attempt to add more attacking energy.

The substitutions quickly paid off.

In the 65th minute, Usor collected a pass from Semi Ajayi inside Nigeria’s half, drove forward past two Madagascar players and finished with his left foot to give Nigeria a 2-1 advantage.

The goal marked an impressive competitive debut for the LASK winger.

Madagascar refused to give up and created opportunities as they searched for an equaliser. Nigeria also had chances to extend their lead, but the Super Eagles ultimately held on to secure all three points.

The victory gives Nigeria a positive start in Group L of the AFCON 2027 qualifiers. Their next assignment will be an away match against Guinea-Bissau on September 29.

The 2027 AFCON finals will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, with Tanzania already assured of a place as one of the co-hosts.

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