Football: Nigeria’s World Cup hopes reignited? NFF file complaint against DR Congo
by Devesh Jaganath | by Devesh Jaganath
Nigeria claim DR Congo fielded ineligible players in WCQ
After failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Nigeria have reportedly submitted a petition to FIFA regarding alleged fraudulent practices by the DR Congo during the recently completed CAF World Cup qualifiers.
The Leopards confirmed our football predictions by defeating the Super Eagles 4-3 on penalties in last month’s playoff final to book their spot in the intercontinental qualifier in March, which will allow the final two teams to enter the main draw in North America next year.
However, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) have now claimed that a group of players who recently switched their international allegiance to join the Central African nation were ineligible to play since Congolese law does not allow dual citizenship. In an interview, NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi said:
“The Congolese rules say you cannot have dual nationality. There are so many of them that have European passports, some of them French passports, some of them Dutch passports. FIFA regulations say once you have the passport of your country, you are eligible.
“As far as we are concerned, they are eligible, that is why they are cleared by FIFA. But our contention is that FIFA was deceived into clearing them because it is not the responsibility of FIFA to make sure that the regulations of Congo are abided by.”
Among the players that the Super Eagles have brought into question are Premier League stars Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku and Noah Sadiki, all of whom have previously been linked with other national teams.
DR Congo dismiss claims of fraudulent activity
Shortly after the news of Nigeria’s petition submission broke, the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFA) reacted strongly to the allegations, warning the NFF against seeking victory off the pitch. In a post shared on the official DR Congo X account, they wrote:
“If you can’t win on the pitch, don’t try to win from the back door. The World Cup must be played with dignity and confidence, not with legal tricks. Bring it on!”
Cameroon had previously raised similar concerns about European-born players representing the Leopards, but FECOFA dismissed those allegations as well. FIFA has yet to respond to the complaint, though it is understood that the issue is under investigation.
If FIFA upholds the petition, the Super Eagles could be reinstated and replace DR Congo in the intercontinental playoffs next year. A response from the world’s football governing body is expected in early 2026.
