Tensions are rising in African football after the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) responded sharply to Nigeria’s petition to FIFA, questioning the eligibility of players fielded in a 2026 World Cup playoff match.
The Nigerian Super Eagles suffered a devastating penalty shootout defeat to the Democratic Republic of the Congo in November, ending their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, the NFF officially appealed to FIFA, claiming that several Congolese players who had changed nationality may have failed to meet eligibility requirements due to violations of dual citizenship regulations.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) wasted no time in responding. In a sharp statement published on the national team’s official account on X, the Leopards rejected Nigeria’s allegations and accused the NFF of attempting to alter the result behind the scenes.
“If you can’t win on the pitch, don’t try to win from the back door. The World Cup must be played with dignity and confidence, not through legal maneuvering. Let’s get to work,” the post read, sparking a debate on social media.
Nigeria’s petition centers on the belief that some players from the Democratic Republic of the Congo who recently changed nationality hold European passports, potentially violating Congolese law prohibiting dual citizenship. The NFF argues that the Democratic Republic of the Congo may have misled FIFA in previous applications for qualification.
Nigerian NFF Secretary General Dr. Mohammed Sanusi confirmed the protest, claiming that Nigeria acted within its legal framework.
“The regulations are very clear, and we submitted our petition,” Sanusi said, arguing that FIFA’s prior approval of the players was based solely on documents submitted by the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
As FIFA reviews the matter, football analysts and journalists in Nigeria remain deeply divided.
Veteran journalist Oma Akatugba downplayed Nigeria’s chances, explaining that FIFA focuses solely on sporting eligibility—passport presentation—and not the country’s citizenship framework.
“Did the players show their Democratic Republic of Congo passports during the game? Yes,” Akatugba said. “I don’t think Nigeria has a strong case.”
Respected commentator Osasu Obayuwana, however, expressed confidence that Nigeria’s petition could have serious consequences.
“Knowing what I know, Nigeria has a very strong case. The Democratic Republic of Congo is in big trouble,” he wrote on Facebook.
FIFA has not yet commented publicly, but if the governing body sides with Nigeria, and if the relevant matches are not decided the Super Eagles could return to the Intercontinental Playoffs.
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