The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has formally petitioned FIFA over the alleged use of ineligible players by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) during their decisive CAF playoff clash with Nigeria in the race for qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Nigeria’s World Cup hopes have been unexpectedly revived after FIFA confirmed it has opened an investigation into the eligibility of several DR Congo players who featured in the playoff final, a match the Super Eagles lost via penalty shootout. The fixture determined Africa’s representative for the intercontinental playoff, and its outcome is now under official review following allegations of regulatory breaches.
Speaking on the issue, NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi suggested that FIFA may have been misled during the player clearance process by the Congolese Football Association.
“FIFA was deceived into clearing those players because it is not FIFA’s responsibility to interpret or enforce domestic citizenship laws,” Sanusi stated. “DR Congo law does not permit dual citizenship, yet some of the players involved reportedly hold dual nationality.”
According to the NFF, FIFA approved the players based on documentation and assurances provided by the DR Congo federation. Under FIFA regulations, possession of a valid national passport is a key requirement for international eligibility. However, Nigeria’s petition argues that the clearance process itself may have been flawed or fraudulent if the players’ documentation conflicted with Congolese nationality laws.
“It is not FIFA’s duty to know the domestic laws of every country,” Sanusi added. “That is why we formally drew FIFA’s attention to the issue, and we are now awaiting their verdict.”
The investigation is believed to focus on as many as nine DR Congo players who allegedly switched national allegiance without fully completing the legal and administrative procedures required under both Congolese law and FIFA statutes.
While a valid passport is central to FIFA eligibility rules, it does not automatically guarantee clearance if domestic legal requirements have not been met. Reports suggest that some of the players in question may not have finalized the necessary processes before representing DR Congo in the qualifiers.
FIFA is said to be examining the case closely, with potential outcomes ranging from match forfeiture to other disciplinary measures, depending on its findings. Although a complete disqualification from international competition is considered unlikely, it has not been entirely ruled out.
Should sanctions be imposed, it remains unclear whether Nigeria would automatically be awarded passage to the intercontinental playoff in Mexico or be required to contest another qualifying fixture.
For now, the Super Eagles remain on standby as the football world awaits FIFA’s final ruling on the matter.
