World Cup Hope Returns as NFF Petitions FIFA Over DR Congo Player Eligibility

By: Gyang Dakwo

Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup may not be over after all, as the Nigeria Football Federation has formally asked FIFA to review the eligibility of some Democratic Republic of Congo players who featured in their decisive playoff match.

The Super Eagles were knocked out of the qualification race in November after losing to DR Congo on penalties in the African playoff round, and many fans believed the road to the World Cup had ended there. But questions have since surfaced about whether some Congolese players were legally cleared to play in that match, and this has opened a fresh window of hope for Nigeria.

Reports indicate that as many as six DR Congo players may not have fully completed the nationality switch process required under FIFA rules, and this has become the basis of Nigeria’s protest. The concern is linked to Congolese law, which does not allow dual nationality, and yet some of the players involved are said to hold European passports.

There are also questions about the age of some of the players, as those above 21 years are expected to meet stricter conditions before they can represent another country under FIFA regulations. These issues have now been taken up formally by the NFF.

Confirming the move, NFF Secretary General, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, said a petition has already been submitted to FIFA to challenge the participation of the players.

“We’re waiting. The Congolese rules say you cannot have a dual citizenship or nationality. Wan-Bissaka has a European passport; there are some of them that have French passports, some of them Dutch passports. The rules are very clear, and we have submitted our petition,” he said.

Sanusi explained that FIFA had earlier cleared the players based on documents submitted by DR Congo, but Nigeria believes that the information provided may not have been accurate.

“That’s why FIFA cleared them. FIFA rules say once you have passports of your country, you’re eligible, as far as FIFA is concerned, they are eligible and that’s why they were cleared. But right now, our concern is that FIFA was deceived into clearing them. It is not the responsibility of FIFA to ensure that the regulations of Congo are followed. FIFA goes by its own regulations, and it was on the basis of what was submitted to FIFA that they cleared them. What we are saying is that it was fraudulent,” he added.

The case is now with FIFA, and the world football body will decide whether DR Congo breached eligibility rules. If Nigeria’s petition is upheld, the Super Eagles could be brought back into contention for the Intercontinental Playoffs billed for Mexico in March 2026, as long as those matches have not already been played.

The development has renewed optimism among Nigerian supporters, many of whom had already accepted that the team would miss another World Cup. Now, attention turns to FIFA’s decision, which will determine whether Nigeria’s World Cup dream can still be rescued.