The Digest:
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has dismissed circulating reports claiming FIFA has issued a verdict on Nigeria's protest against DR Congo over alleged ineligible players, describing them as "false and misleading." NFF Communications Director Ademola Olajire clarified that FIFA has not communicated any ruling to either federation, warning that fabricated documents purporting to show Nigeria awarded a 3-0 victory are entirely fake. Nigeria's petition challenges the eligibility of several DR Congo players, arguing that under Congolese law prohibiting dual citizenship, players holding European passports may have been improperly cleared. DR Congo has rejected the claims, urging Nigeria to "focus on AFCON." FIFA retains authority to investigate document falsification but has not issued any decision. The NFF pledged updates only upon official communication.
Key Points:
- The clarification prevents public misinformation and false hope among Nigerian football fans.
- It maintains pressure on FIFA to investigate while managing expectations.
- The NFF preserves credibility, while fans await genuine communication from FIFA.
- This signals the importance of official channels over social media speculation.
- The timing, amid widespread fake documents, requires immediate public correction.
Sources: Premium Times, NFF
