The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that it has launched an investigation into the alleged use of ineligible players by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, a move that could reopen Nigeria’s path to the global tournament.
DR Congo had knocked Nigeria out of the African play-offs in November after winning 4–3 on penalties in Morocco, a result that dashed the Super Eagles’ hopes of reaching the FIFA intercontinental play-off.
Following that victory, the Congolese side was handed a bye into the final of the intercontinental play-off tournament, where they are expected to face the winner of the semi-final clash between New Caledonia and Jamaica. However, that progression may now be under threat.
“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,” an NFF executive board member said.
According to the NFF, concerns have been raised over the eligibility of several DR Congo players who featured in the African play-offs. Reports indicate that between six and nine players who switched national allegiance may not have complied with DR Congo’s citizenship laws before representing the country.
Although FIFA reportedly cleared the players on the basis that they possessed valid DR Congo passports, the NFF argues that the players failed to formally renounce their previous nationalities, a requirement under DR Congo’s constitution, which does not permit dual citizenship.
A member of the NFF executive board confirmed that the federation has formally submitted its concerns to FIFA, describing the issue as a legal loophole being explored by its lawyers.
NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, also confirmed the petition, insisting that while FIFA rules recognise passport possession as grounds for eligibility, the Congolese players’ clearance was allegedly based on misleading documentation.
He explained that the federation’s argument is that FIFA was deceived during the clearance process, stressing that while FIFA does not enforce domestic laws, national regulations must still be properly complied with.
The development has renewed Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, after the Super Eagles missed out on the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
DR Congo, formerly known as Zaire, has featured at the FIFA World Cup only once, in 1974.
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