By Anamati Inyang
December 17, 2025
As Nigeria challenges player eligibility, DR Congo fires back; insisting World Cup victories must be earned on the field, not in boardrooms.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has hit back at Nigeria’s petition to FIFA over allegations that the Leopards fielded ineligible players during their 2026 World Cup playoff clash, warning the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) against seeking victory off the pitch.
The response follows confirmation from the NFF that it had formally written to FIFA, questioning the eligibility of some DR Congo players who featured in the decisive playoff match that ended Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. DR Congo defeated the Super Eagles on penalties in November to secure Africa’s spot in the Intercontinental Playoffs.
In a post on the national team’s official X account, DR Congo dismissed the allegations, accusing Nigeria of trying to overturn the result through administrative channels.
“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, confidence, not legal tricks. Bring it on,” the post read.
Nigeria’s petition reportedly centers on claims that several DR Congo players who switched national allegiance may not have fully complied with FIFA eligibility rules, particularly regarding dual nationality, which DR Congo’s laws do not recognize.
Confirming the protest, NFF Secretary General Dr Mohammed Sanusi said Nigeria had officially raised concerns with FIFA over potential violations of nationality regulations.
“We are waiting. The Congolese rules say you cannot have a dual citizenship or nationality. Wan-Bissaka has a European passport, some have French passports, some Dutch. The rules are very clear, and we have submitted our petition,” Sanusi said.
He added that FIFA’s earlier clearance of the players was based on information submitted by DR Congo, which Nigeria believes may not have fully reflected the situation.
That is why FIFA cleared them. FIFA rules say once you have the passport of your country, you are eligible as far as FIFA is concerned. “Our concern is that FIFA was deceived into clearing them,” Sanusi explained.
Journalists Divided on Nigeria’s Chances
As FIFA reviews the petition, Nigerian football journalists remain sharply divided on the strength of Nigeria’s case.
Veteran journalist Oma Akatugba questioned the likelihood of success, noting that the initial protest reportedly came from Cameroon before Nigeria joined.
“There is a rumour flying around that DR Congo may be disqualified from the World Cup playoffs because they fielded ineligible players. Yes, the rumour is true. Who filed the petition? It was Cameroon. Nigeria, having lost to DR Congo in the final, saw an opportunity, latched onto it,” Akatugba said in a video shared on Instagram.
Akatugba argued that FIFA focuses strictly on sporting eligibility rather than domestic nationality laws.
“What FIFA concerns itself with is whether players presented that country’s passport at the time they played. Did the players present a DR Congo passport? Yes. So how they are ineligible is beyond me. FIFA does not issue passports. Based on this, I don’t think Nigeria has a strong case,” he added.
However, respected journalist Osasu Obayuwana suggested DR Congo could face serious consequences. Responding to comparisons with the Emilio Nsue case involving Equatorial Guinea, Obayuwana wrote on X:
“Knowing what I know, Nigeria has a very strong case. DR Congo are in big trouble.”
FIFA has yet to issue an official statement on the petition. Should the governing body rule in Nigeria’s favour, the Super Eagles could be reinstated into contention for the Intercontinental Playoffs, depending on the status of the fixtures.
