The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has launched an investigation into DR Congo’s use of allegedly ineligible players during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, raising the possibility of Nigeria reclaiming a spot in the tournament set for the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
DR Congo knocked Nigeria out of the African play-offs in November after a 4–3 penalty shootout in Morocco, ending the Super Eagles’ bid to reach the FIFA intercontinental play-off.
The Congolese team has since advanced directly to the final of the intercontinental play-off, where they are scheduled to face the winner of the semi-final between New Caledonia and Jamaica. However, concerns have emerged over the eligibility of several players fielded by DR Congo during the African play-offs.
Reports suggest that six to nine players who switched national allegiance may not have fully complied with Congolese law, which prohibits dual citizenship. While FIFA cleared the players based on possession of valid DR Congo passports, it is alleged that they did not formally renounce their previous citizenships, contrary to the country’s constitution.
“NFF has done the needful,” a member of the federation’s executive board told PUNCH Online. “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 have submitted the relevant documents to FIFA as well.”
NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi confirmed the federation’s petition, noting, “We’re waiting. The Congolese rules say you cannot have dual citizenship or nationality. Some of the players have European passports—French, Dutch, or others. The rules are very clear, and we have submitted our petition.
“FIFA rules say once you have a passport of your country, you’re eligible, and that is why they were cleared,” he explained. “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. What we are saying is that the process was fraudulent.”
The investigation has reignited hopes for Nigeria’s participation in the 2026 World Cup, after the country missed out on the 2022 edition in Qatar.
DR Congo has appeared at the FIFA World Cup once, in 1974, when the nation was known as Zaire.
