Nigeria’s bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup may receive a major boost following fresh developments surrounding the eligibility of DR Congo players in the playoff stage of the African qualifiers.
DR Congo had edged the Super Eagles on penalties in November to secure Africa’s place in the Intercontinental Playoffs. However, new reports suggest the Congolese team could be sanctioned 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 process required under FIFA regulations. Central to the allegations is the claim that the players did not formally renounce their previous citizenships—an important requirement, as DR Congo does not recognise dual nationality.
Further claims indicate that some of the players involved were over the age of 21 and held European passports, which could constitute a breach of eligibility rules under both national and international regulations.
Confirming Nigeria’s position, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Secretary General, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, revealed that the federation has submitted a formal protest to FIFA, challenging the eligibility of certain DR Congo players.
“We’re waiting. The Congolese rules say you cannot have dual citizenship,” Sanusi said. “Some of the players have European passports—French, Dutch, and others. The rules are very clear, and we have submitted our petition.”
Sanusi explained that FIFA’s earlier clearance of the players was based on documentation submitted by DR Congo, but Nigeria believes the process may have been compromised.
“That is why FIFA cleared them. Once you have a passport of your country, FIFA considers you eligible,” he said. “But our concern is that FIFA may have been deceived. It is not FIFA’s responsibility to enforce Congo’s domestic laws; FIFA relies on what is submitted to it. What we are saying is that the clearance was obtained fraudulently.”
If FIFA rules in Nigeria’s favour, the Super Eagles could be reinstated into contention for the Intercontinental Playoffs in Mexico, provided the matches have not yet been played.
