DR Congo Faces Eligibility Probe, Potentially Opening World Cup Door for Nigeria

The Nigeria Football Federation has confirmed that it has launched an official investigation into DR Congo’s use of allegedly ineligible players during the African play-offs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a move that could dramatically revive Nigeria’s chances of reaching the tournament to be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Nigeria were knocked out of the qualification race in November after losing 4–3 on penalties to DR Congo in Morocco, a heartbreaking defeat that ended the Super Eagles’ hopes of advancing to the FIFA intercontinental play-off.

Following that victory, DR Congo were granted a direct place in the final of the intercontinental play-off tournament, where they are due to meet the winner of the semi-final clash between New Caledonia and Jamaica. However, that spot may now be under threat as the NFF questions the eligibility of several Congolese players used during the decisive African play-off fixtures.

According to information emerging from the investigation, between six and nine players who switched allegiance to DR Congo may not have fully satisfied the country’s legal requirements before representing the national team. While FIFA is said to have cleared the players on the basis that they held valid DR Congo passports, concerns have been raised that they failed to formally renounce their previous citizenships, a requirement under Congolese law, which does not recognise dual nationality.

A senior member of the NFF executive board confirmed that the federation has taken decisive steps on the matter.

“The NFF has done what is necessary,” the official said. “The Congolese constitution does not allow dual citizenship, yet about six to nine players were in that situation during the play-offs. That is the loophole we are examining, and our legal team has submitted the relevant documents to FIFA.”

NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, also backed the federation’s position, stating that the player switches violated Congolese nationality laws.

“We are waiting for a response. Congolese rules are clear — you cannot hold dual citizenship,” Sanusi said. “Some of the players involved have European passports — French, Dutch, and others. We have formally submitted our petition.”

Sanusi explained that while FIFA regulations consider a player eligible once they possess a valid passport of the country they represent, the global body may not have been fully informed about the domestic legal implications in this case.

“FIFA cleared them because they had Congolese passports,” he said. “But our position is that FIFA was misled. FIFA does not enforce domestic nationality laws; it relies on what is presented to it. What we are saying is that the entire process was flawed and fraudulent.”

The unfolding situation has reignited hope within Nigeria’s football community, as a favourable ruling could reopen the Super Eagles’ path to qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Nigeria are currently facing the prospect of missing successive World Cup tournaments, having also failed to qualify for the 2022 edition in Qatar.

DR Congo, for their part, have appeared at the FIFA World Cup just once, in 1974, when the country competed under the name Zaire.