NFF Takes DR Congo Case to FIFA Over Player Eligibility

The Nigeria Football Federation has petitioned FIFA over the Democratic Republic of Congo’s alleged use of ineligible players in the African playoffs for the 2026 World Cup.

DR Congo beat the Super Eagles 4–3 on penalties in the final and advanced to playoffs, where they will meet Jamaica or New Caledonia.

The NFF argues that several Congolese players were foreign-born and recently cleared to switch allegiance, despite national laws that do not recognise dual nationality beyond age 21.

Nigeria’s loss meant missing a second straight World Cup, after failing to qualify for Qatar 2022.

NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi accused the DR Congo FA of misleading FIFA, saying Congolese law states that “you cannot have dual nationality”… yet players reportedly held European and Congolese passports.

He called situation “fraudulent”, adding that “FIFA cleared the players because FIFA’s eligibility rule is different from DR Congo’s rule”… but insists FIFA was deceived.