The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced that it has opened an investigation into the eligibility of several DR Congo players following Nigeria’s exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
DR Congo ended Nigeria’s qualification hopes after winning 4–3 on penalties in Morocco, a result that eliminated the Super Eagles from reaching the FIFA intercontinental play-off.
However, the outcome could still be reviewed after the NFF raised concerns over the eligibility of multiple DR Congo players used during the African play-offs an issue that may potentially revive Nigeria’s chances of qualification for the tournament to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
According to reports, between six and nine DR Congo players who changed national allegiance may not have met the legal requirements under Congolese law before representing the country.
Although FIFA reportedly approved the players after confirming they held valid DR Congo passports, allegations suggest they did not officially renounce their previous citizenships, a requirement under DR Congo’s constitution, which prohibits dual nationality.
Read also:Super Eagles miss 2026 World Cup ticket after penaly shootout defeat to DR Congo
NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, confirmed that the federation has formally challenged the players’ eligibility.
“We are awaiting feedback. Congolese law clearly states that dual citizenship is not allowed,” Sanusi said. “Some of these players hold European passport French, Dutch, and others. The rules are clear, and we have submitted our petition.”
He further explained that while FIFA regulations consider possession of a valid national passport sufficient for eligibility, the NFF believes FIFA was misled during the clearance process.
“FIFA acts based on documents submitted to it; it is not responsible for enforcing domestic laws,” Sanusi stated. “Our position is that the process through which these players were cleared was fraudulent.”
Meanwhile, DR Congo has been granted automatic passage to the final of the intercontinental play-off, where they will face the winner of the semi-final clash between New Caledonia and Jamaica.
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