The Nigeria Football Federation has lodged a formal petition with FIFA challenging the eligibility of multiple DR Congo players, a move that could dramatically overturn the result of a decisive World Cup qualifier and resurrect the Super Eagles’ hopes of reaching the 2026 tournament.
This controversy stems from the African play-off final held in Rabat, Morocco, on Monday. After a 1-1 draw, DR Congo defeated Nigeria 4-3 in a penalty shootout, securing a coveted spot in the inter-confederation play-offs scheduled for March 2026. The loss was a crushing blow for Nigeria, threatening a second consecutive World Cup absence after missing the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
The NFF’s case hinges on an alleged violation of DR Congo’s own national laws. The federation alleges that between six and nine Congolese players who recently switched their international allegiance failed to legally renounce their previous citizenships. This, they argue, breaches Article 10 of the DR Congo constitution, which prohibits dual nationality for its citizens. Key figures cited in the complaint include players like Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who holds an English passport, and others with documented French or Dutch ties.
NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi contends that FIFA was misled during the players’ eligibility checks. “FIFA was deceived into clearing them,” Sanusi stated, explaining that world football’s governing body typically verifies a player’s passport and documentation but does not enforce the domestic citizenship laws of a member nation. The NFF has submitted what it describes as compelling legal documents to FIFA, exploring this potential loophole in the global eligibility process.
FIFA has acknowledged the petition and initiated a formal investigation. The case has a notable precedent that fuels Nigerian optimism: in 2016, South Africa was awarded points after FIFA found that Ghana had fielded an ineligible player during a World Cup qualifier. A similar ruling here would not only nullify DR Congo’s victory but could see Nigeria reinstated to take their place in the upcoming intercontinental play-off, where they would face the winner of the tie between New Caledonia and Jamaica.
For DR Congo, known as Zaire during their sole World Cup appearance in 1974, the probe casts a shadow over what was a historic achievement. For Nigeria, it represents an unexpected lifeline to the expanded 48-team World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.