Nigeria’s World Cup Dream Alive As DR Congo Face Player Eligibility Probe

NFF petitions FIFA over alleged use of ineligible players in African play-offs.

Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have received a major boost after the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed it has filed a petition over the alleged use of ineligible players by DR Congo during the African play-offs.

DR Congo had knocked Nigeria out in November via a 4–3 penalty shoot-out in Morocco, ending the Super Eagles’ qualification push. However, that result could now be under scrutiny amid claims that six to nine Congolese players who switched nationality may not have fully complied with DR Congo’s citizenship laws, which reportedly prohibit dual nationality.

While FIFA cleared the players based on valid DR Congo passports, the NFF argues that the process was fraudulent, as the players allegedly failed to renounce previous nationalities, a requirement under Congolese law.

NFF General Secretary Dr Mohammed Sanusi confirmed that the federation has submitted all relevant documents to FIFA, insisting the governing body may have been misled.

If the petition succeeds, Nigeria’s path to the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico could be reopened, reviving hopes of ending the country’s run of missing back-to-back tournaments.