The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that it has launched an investigation into DR Congo’s alleged use of ineligible players during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, a move that could potentially reopen Nigeria’s path to the tournament set for the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
DR Congo eliminated Nigeria from the African play-offs in November following a dramatic 4–3 penalty shootout victory in Morocco, ending the Super Eagles’ bid to advance to the FIFA intercontinental play-off.
The Congolese team has since received a bye into the final of the intercontinental play-off, where they are slated to face the winner of the semi-final clash between New Caledonia and Jamaica.
However, their spot in the final may now be under scrutiny after the NFF raised concerns over the eligibility of several DR Congo players fielded during the African play-offs.
Reports indicate that between six and nine players who switched national allegiance may not have fully complied with Congolese legal requirements before representing the country.
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Although FIFA reportedly cleared the players on the basis of their possession of valid DR Congo passports, it is alleged that they did not formally renounce their previous citizenships, contrary to the Congolese constitution, which prohibits dual nationality.
“NFF has done the needful,” a member of the federation’s executive board disclosed while speaking with PUNCH Online.
“Their constitution does not allow dual citizenship, and about six to nine players had that status during the play-off. That is the loophole we are exploring. Our lawyers must have submitted the relevant documents to FIFA as well.”
NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi also confirmed that the federation has challenged the players’ switch.
“We’re waiting. The Congolese rules say you cannot have dual citizenship or nationality,” Sanusi said. “Wan-Bissaka has a European passport; some of them have French passports, others Dutch passports. The rules are very clear, and we have submitted our petition.
“FIFA rules say once you have a passport of your country, you’re eligible, and that is why they were cleared,” he added. “But our concern is that FIFA was deceived into clearing them. It is not FIFA’s responsibility to enforce Congo’s domestic regulations; FIFA acts based on what is submitted to it. What we are saying is that the process was fraudulent.”
The development has reignited hopes for Nigeria to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, after missing out on back-to-back editions following their failure to make the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
DR Congo, formerly known as Zaire, has made only one FIFA World Cup appearance, in 1974.
