Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup may not be over yet, following a formal complaint lodged against the Democratic Republic of Congo over the alleged use of ineligible players during the qualifiers.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that it has taken the matter to FIFA, raising concerns about DR Congo’s squad during the African play-offs, a development that could potentially reopen the Super Eagles’ path to the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Nigeria were knocked out of the African play-offs in November after losing 4–3 on penalties to DR Congo in Morocco, a painful defeat that appeared to end the Super Eagles’ World Cup dream. The Congolese side went on to secure a direct spot in the final of the intercontinental play-off, where they are expected to face the winner of the semi-final clash between New Caledonia and Jamaica.
However, that place is now under scrutiny.
According to the NFF, between six and nine DR Congo players who switched international allegiance may not have fully met the country’s eligibility requirements before representing the national team. Although FIFA reportedly cleared the players because they held valid DR Congo passports, the federation argues that the players failed to renounce their previous citizenships — a requirement under Congolese law, which does not recognise dual nationality.
A senior NFF executive confirmed that the federation has taken the necessary steps, saying, “The NFF has done the needful.”
Speaking further, the official explained that the issue lies in DR Congo’s constitution. “Their laws do not permit dual citizenship, and several players had that status during the play-offs. That is the loophole we are examining. Our lawyers have submitted all relevant documents to FIFA,” he said.
NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, also confirmed the petition, stressing that the federation is awaiting FIFA’s response.
“The Congolese rules clearly state that dual citizenship is not allowed,” Sanusi said. “Some of the players involved hold European passports — French, Dutch, and others. We have formally submitted our complaint.”
He added that while FIFA’s regulations allow players to represent a country once they possess a valid passport, the world football body may have been misled.
“FIFA acts based on the documents presented to it; it is not responsible for enforcing domestic laws,” Sanusi explained. “Our concern is that FIFA was deceived into clearing these players. The process, in our view, was fraudulent.”
The unfolding situation has reignited hope among Nigerian football fans, especially after the country missed out on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and appeared set to miss a second consecutive tournament.
DR Congo, for their part, have qualified for the FIFA World Cup only once in 1974, when the country competed under the name Zaire.
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