The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) says it will appeal FIFA’s decision to reject its allegation that DR Congo fielded ineligible players in the World Cup play-off between the two nations.

DR Congo advanced to the inter-confederation play-offs after beating Nigeria on penalties in November in the second round of African qualifying. Nigeria subsequently filed a petition with FIFA, global football’s governing body, alleging “perceived fraud” in the supplying of passports that the NFF argues qualified “a number” of DR Congo players for the play-offs.

The NFF’s argument centres around the principle of dual nationality. According to the UK government, DR Congo does not recognise dual nationality, with the only exception being if a child was born abroad and held the citizenship of the country where they were born. They must renounce this citizenship when they turn 21.

NFF general secretary Mohammed Sanusi. claimed in December that “many” DR Congo players had other passports.