Nigeria’s quest to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup may not be over following emerging concerns over the eligibility of some DR Congo players who featured in the decisive playoff match against the Super Eagles.
DR Congo had defeated Nigeria on penalties in November to secure Africa’s spot in the Intercontinental Playoffs. However, fresh reports now suggest the Congolese team could face sanctions for allegedly fielding ineligible players, a situation that may reopen Nigeria’s path to qualification ahead of the playoffs scheduled for March 2026.
According to the reports, as many as six DR Congo players who switched national allegiance may not have completed the full eligibility requirements under FIFA regulations. Central to the allegations is the claim that the players failed to formally renounce their previous nationalities, a critical issue given that DR Congo does not recognise dual citizenship.
Further concerns indicate that some of the players were above the age of 21 and held European passports at the time they represented DR Congo, which could constitute a breach of eligibility rules.
Confirming Nigeria’s position, the Secretary General of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Dr Mohammed Sanusi, revealed that a formal petition has been submitted to FIFA challenging the eligibility of certain DR Congo players.
“We’re waiting. The Congolese rules say you cannot have dual citizenship or nationality. Wan-Bissaka has a European passport; some of them have French passports, some Dutch passports,” Sanusi said. “The rules are very clear, and we have submitted our petition.”
Sanusi explained that FIFA’s initial clearance of the players was based on information provided by DR Congo, which Nigeria believes may have been misleading.
“That’s why FIFA cleared them. FIFA rules say once you have the passport of your country, you’re eligible, as far as FIFA is concerned,” he said. “But our concern is that FIFA was deceived into clearing them. It is not FIFA’s responsibility to enforce Congo’s national laws. What we are saying is that the process was fraudulent.”
Should FIFA rule in favour of Nigeria, the Super Eagles could be reinstated into contention for the Intercontinental Playoffs in Mexico, provided the fixtures have not yet been played.
For now, Nigeria awaits FIFA’s decision as hopes of a late return to the 2026 World Cup qualification race remain alive.