Nigeria’s World Cup dream reignited as DR Congo faces eligibility probe

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed it has initiated a formal probe and submitted a petition to FIFA regarding the eligibility of several players fielded by the Democratic Republic of Congo, during the 2026 FIFA World Cup African play-offs. This development has revived the hopes of the Super Eagles, who were eliminated from the tournament by DR Congo in November.
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The qualification hopes of Nigeria was brought to an end following a 4-3 penalty shoot-out defeat to DR Congo in the African play-off final held in Morocco. That victory gave DR Congo a spot in the final of the Intercontinental Play-off tournament, scheduled to face the winner of New Caledonia vs. Jamaica, while Nigeria was condemned to miss a second consecutive World Cup.
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However, the NFF has now accused the Congolese FA of using players who are allegedly in contravention of DR Congo’s own domestic laws regarding citizenship.
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‎The NFF alleges that between six and nine DR Congo players who switched national allegiance may not have fully complied with the eligibility requirements, by failing to formally renounce their previous European citizenships.
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‎The Congolese constitution states that “Congolese nationality is one and exclusive. It may not be held together with another nationality”. While FIFA cleared the players based on them possessing valid DR Congo passports, the NFF contends that FIFA was deceived because the players are in violation of their national law, making the clearance process fraudulent.
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‎If FIFA finds the players were indeed ineligible due to the domestic dual nationality ban, DR Congo could face heavy sanctions, including being disqualified from the intercontinental play-offs. This could potentially allow Nigeria, as the defeated opponent in the final play-off round, to take their place and keep their 2026 World Cup hopes alive.
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