Nigeria in Backdoor Attempt to Secure World Cup Slot as They Petition FIFA Over DR Congo Breach

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially challenged the eligibility of several Democratic Republic of Congo players, lodging a formal protest with FIFA that could potentially revive the Super Eagles' chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

Nigeria was knocked out of contention in November after a penalty shootout loss to DR Congo in the African playoff round. However, the NFF is now alleging that their opponents fielded ineligible players, sparking a potential reversal of the result.

The protest centers on claims that up to six Congolese players may not have met FIFA's stringent requirements for changing national associations. A key issue is Congolese law, which does not permit dual nationality. The NFF contends that some players, including those holding European passports, did not formally renounce their previous citizenships before representing DR Congo.

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NFF Secretary General, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, confirmed the federation's action, stating that a petition has been submitted to world football's governing body.

"We’re waiting. The Congolese rules say you cannot have a dual citizenship or nationality. [Aaron] Wan-Bissaka has a European passport; there are some of them that have French passports, some of them Dutch passports. The rules are very clear, and we have submitted our petition," Sanusi explained as per Nigerian outlet The Guardian.

Sanusi acknowledged that FIFA had initially cleared the players based on documents submitted by the DR Congo football association. However, he argued that this clearance was obtained under false pretenses.

"That’s why FIFA cleared them," he said. "FIFA rules say once you have passports of your country, you’re eligible... 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... What we are saying is that it was fraudulent."

The case now rests with FIFA, which will investigate the allegations. If the NFF's protest is upheld, the Super Eagles could be reinstated and advance to the Intercontinental Playoffs scheduled for March 2026 in Mexico, assuming the matches have not yet been played.

This development has brought a renewed sense of optimism to Nigerian fans, who had previously accepted their team's elimination. The outcome of FIFA's investigation will be crucial in determining the final chapter of Nigeria's 2026 World Cup qualification journey.