DR Congo Faces Probe, Nigeria World Cup
By Akeem Oduyoye
Nigeria’s World Cup hopes have been given a boost as the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed it is probing DR Congo over the eligibility of several players used during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The move could reopen the Super Eagles’ path to the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
DR Congo knocked Nigeria out of the African play-offs in November, winning 4–3 on penalties in Morocco. The result had ended Nigeria’s chance of reaching the FIFA intercontinental play-off stage.
The Congolese team was later given a direct place in the final of the intercontinental play-off, where they are set to face the winner of the semi-final between New Caledonia and Jamaica. But their participation now faces scrutiny following concerns about player eligibility raised by the NFF.
Reports indicate that between six and nine DR Congo players may not have fully complied with the country’s laws regarding citizenship before representing the national team. While FIFA cleared the players based on valid DR Congo passports, it is claimed they did not formally renounce their previous citizenships, which DR Congo’s constitution does not allow.
A member of the NFF executive board said, “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 added, “We’re waiting. The Congolese rules say you cannot have dual citizenship or nationality. Some of the players have European passports, others French or Dutch. We have submitted our petition because FIFA was deceived into clearing them.”
Sanusi explained that while FIFA rules recognise players with valid passports, it is not responsible for enforcing domestic laws. “What we are saying is that the process was fraudulent,” he said.
The probe has revived Nigeria’s hope of making the 2026 World Cup, ending fears of missing a second consecutive tournament after failing to qualify for the 2022 edition in Qatar.
DR Congo has appeared at the FIFA World Cup only once, in 1974, when the country was known as Zaire.
The NFF is now awaiting FIFA’s response to the petition, which could determine whether the Super Eagles are reinstated in the qualifiers.
Fans and football stakeholders across Nigeria have expressed cautious optimism as the investigation unfolds, hoping for a chance to see their team back in contention.
More updates will follow as this remains a developing story.