The Democratic Republic of Congo has responded strongly to Nigeria’s petition to FIFA, accusing the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) of attempting to overturn the World Cup playoff result through administrative means.
DR Congo’s national team took to social media, saying, “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 with legal tricks. Bring it on”.
The controversy surrounds DR Congo’s 4-3 penalty shootout win over Nigeria, which secured their spot in the inter-confederation playoffs.
Nigeria alleges that DR Congo fielded ineligible players, citing Congolese law that prohibits dual nationality.
NFF Secretary General Mohammed Sanusi stated: “The Congolese rules say you cannot have dual citizenship or nationality. Wan-Bissaka has a European passport; some of them have French passports, others Dutch passports”.
DR Congo’s Director of Football, Herita Ilunga, dismissed Nigeria’s claims, posting on X on Wednesday: “FIFA doesn’t consider legal nationality but sporting nationality. If that’s true, I advise you, dear Nijas brothers, to focus on the AFCON instead”.
According to Sanusi, FIFA was deceived into clearing those players because it is not FIFA’s responsibility to interpret or enforce domestic citizenship laws.
The petition’s outcome is uncertain, with FIFA yet to issue an official statement.
If upheld, Nigeria could be reinstated into contention for the World Cup.
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