Nigeria’s bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has received a boost as DR Congo’s eligibility in the playoff stage is under scrutiny.
The Congolese side defeated the Super Eagles on penalties in November, securing Africa’s slot in the Intercontinental Playoffs.
However, allegations have emerged that DR Congo fielded ineligible players, potentially breaching FIFA regulations.
The controversy surrounds up to six DR Congo players who switched national allegiance without completing the required eligibility process.
DR Congo does not recognize dual nationality, making it crucial for players to formally renounce previous citizenships.
Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Secretary General, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, confirmed a formal protest has been submitted to FIFA, challenging the eligibility of certain DR Congo players.
“We’re waiting. The Congolese rules say you cannot have a dual citizenship or nationality. Wan-Bissaka has a European passport, there are some of them that have French passports, some of them Dutch passports,” Sanusi said.
Sanusi explained that FIFA’s initial clearance was based on provided information, but Nigeria believes the process was compromised.
“That’s why FIFA cleared them. FIFA rules say once you have passports of your country, you’re eligible, as far as FIFA is concerned, they are eligible and that’s why they were cleared,” he added.
“But right now, our concern is that FIFA was deceived into clearing them. It is not the responsibility of FIFA to ensure that the regulations of Congo are followed”.
Persecondnews reports that if FIFA rules in Nigeria’s favour, the Super Eagles could be reinstated into contention for the Intercontinental Playoffs in Mexico, pending match schedules.
FIFA has not received any official complaint, and DR Congo’s eligibility is still under review.
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