Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup may yet be revived following an investigation by FIFA into the eligibility of players fielded by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) during the African play-offs.
The Super Eagles lost 4–3 to the Leopards of DR Congo in the final of the African play-offs held in Morocco in November, a defeat that appeared to have ended Nigeria’s World Cup ambitions. However, fresh developments suggest the outcome could still be reviewed.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has formally written to FIFA, raising concerns over DR Congo’s alleged use of ineligible players during the play-offs. Speaking to Channels Television, NFF Secretary General Mohammed Sanusi confirmed that the world football governing body is investigating the matter.
According to Sanusi, Nigeria is accusing the Congolese Football Association of misleading FIFA in securing clearance for players who allegedly contravened DR Congo’s citizenship laws, which prohibit dual nationality.
“FIFA cleared the players because FIFA’s eligibility rule is different from DR Congo’s rule. FIFA regulations say that once you have the passport of your country, you are eligible,” Sanusi explained.
“But our contention is that FIFA was deceived into clearing them. It is not FIFA’s responsibility to ensure that DR Congo’s local laws are complied with. Clearance was based on what was presented to FIFA, and we are saying that what was presented was fraudulent,” he added.
Several members of the Congolese squad involved in the play-offs are foreign-born players who were only recently approved to represent the Leopards, many of whom reportedly hold both Congolese and European passports.
Should FIFA rule in Nigeria’s favour, the outcome of the play-off final could be revisited, potentially reopening a pathway for the Super Eagles to the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Meanwhile, DR Congo are scheduled to face the winner of the intercontinental play-off between Jamaica and New Caledonia for a final World Cup qualification slot, pending the outcome of FIFA’s investigation.
