The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) confirmed that it has filed a formal complaint with FIFA regarding the alleged use of ineligible players by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) during their crucial CAF playoff match against Nigeria in the race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Nigeria’s qualification hopes were revived after FIFA opened an investigation into the eligibility of several DRC players who participated in the playoff final, which the Super Eagles lost on penalties. The match determined Africa’s representative for the intercontinental playoff, but the result is being reviewed following allegations of regulatory irregularities.
In this regard, NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi stated that FIFA may have been misled by the DRC Football Association during the player clearance process.
He explained that FIFA relies on documentation submitted by national federations and does not interpret or apply national citizenship laws. According to Sanusi, the law of the Democratic Republic of Congo does not permit dual nationality, although some of the players involved allegedly hold it.
The NFF stated that FIFA authorized the players based on the documents and guarantees provided by the Congolese federation, as FIFA regulations allow players to represent a country if they possess a valid passport. However, Nigeria’s complaint argues that the authorization process itself may have been compromised due to conflicts with Congolese nationality laws.
Sanusi added that it is not FIFA’s responsibility to know the national laws of every country, so the NFF formally submitted the matter to FIFA and is now awaiting a verdict.
The investigation is believed to involve up to nine players from the Democratic Republic of Congo who allegedly changed their nationality without complying with all the legal and administrative requirements of both Congolese law and FIFA statutes.
FIFA is reportedly examining the case closely, with potential consequences ranging from match suspensions to other disciplinary measures. While outright disqualification seems unlikely, it has not been ruled out.
Nigeria awaits FIFA’s final decision.
Source: BSN Sports
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