The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has filed a formal petition with FIFA, alleging that the Democratic Republic of Congo fielded ineligible players during the recent African World Cup qualifying playoff.
The DR Congo eliminated Nigeria’s Super Eagles 4–3 on penalties in the final playoff round, advancing to the inter-confederation playoffs, where they will face the winner of Jamaica versus New Caledonia for a place in the 2026 World Cup.
In a statement on Wednesday, NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi accused Congolese football authorities of misleading FIFA to secure clearance for several foreign-born players who, under DR Congo law, are ineligible to represent the country.
Congolese legislation does not recognize dual nationality, requiring individuals born abroad to Congolese parents to renounce their second citizenship by age 21.
Sanusi revealed that multiple members of the Congolese squad that faced Nigeria reportedly hold both European and Congolese passports, in violation of these nationality laws.
The defeat marks Nigeria’s failure to qualify for a second consecutive FIFA World Cup, after also missing the 2022 tournament in Qatar. The NFF’s appeal represents a last-ditch effort to challenge the outcome and potentially secure Nigeria’s passage to the inter-confederation playoffs.
