The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially initiated a formal probe into DR Congo’s use of ineligible players during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, a move that could dramatically reinstate the Super Eagles’ path to the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The development comes after DR Congo eliminated Nigeria in a tense 4–3 penalty shoot-out in Morocco last November, ending Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the intercontinental play-offs. DR Congo has since been handed a bye to the final of that play-off tournament, where they are set to face the winner of the tie between New Caledonia and Jamaica.
However, the Congolese participation is now in serious jeopardy following reports that between six and nine players who switched allegiance to DR Congo failed to meet the country’s strict nationality laws.
The “Dual Citizenship” Loophole
According to investigations by PunchOnline, while FIFA cleared the players based on valid DR Congo passports, they allegedly failed to formally renounce their previous citizenships. The Congolese constitution strictly prohibits dual nationality, meaning naturalized players must legally sever ties with their country of birth before representing the Leopards.
“NFF has done the needful,” a member of the Federation’s executive board confirmed. “Their constitution does not allow dual citizenship, and about six to nine players had that status during the play-off. That is the loophole we are exploring. Our lawyers must have submitted the relevant documents to FIFA as well.”
NFF Alleges Deception
NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, confirmed the Federation has faulted the switches, arguing that FIFA was misled. He specifically cited players like Aaron Wan-Bissaka (European passport) and others holding French and Dutch documents.
“We’re waiting. The Congolese rules say you cannot have dual citizenship or nationality,” Sanusi said. “FIFA rules say once you have a passport of your country, you’re eligible, and that is why they were cleared. But our concern is that FIFA was deceived into clearing them. It is not FIFA’s responsibility to enforce Congo’s domestic regulations; FIFA acts based on what is submitted to it. What we are saying is that the process was fraudulent.”
A Lifeline for the Eagles
The petition has handed Nigeria a massive boost, offering a potential reprieve after the heartbreaking play-off loss. The country had been facing the prospect of missing back-to-back World Cups, having also failed to qualify for the 2022 edition in Qatar.
If FIFA upholds the NFF’s protest, Nigeria could be reinstated in DR Congo’s place, reopening the door to a first World Cup appearance since 2018.
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