Nigeria Stand Firm as FIFA Probes DR Congo Eligibility Row

Nigeria’s football authorities say their challenge to FIFA over the eligibility of several Democratic Republic of Congo players in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers is firmly grounded in FIFA regulations, not bitterness over defeat. National Sports Commission chairman Shehu Dikko told Arise Television’s Morning Show that concerns arose before the playoff loss, after Nigeria noticed irregularities when DR Congo named its squad on November 1, nearly two weeks before the decisive fixtures.

Dikko said players of other nationalities appeared in the squad without full FIFA clearance, prompting Nigerian officials to monitor developments closely. “This issue did not start because we lost the playoffs…” he said, adding that clearances were reportedly obtained just a day before the match, raising serious questions about process and compliance.

After the defeat, Nigeria sought legal advice and filed a formal complaint with FIFA, citing possible misrepresentation. Dikko stressed that federations must follow nationality laws, warning that improperly issued passports undermine eligibility. “We are not sore losers…” he said, insisting the case mirrors past FIFA sanctions.

With Nigeria already missing Qatar 2022, pressure mounts nationwide concern.