Eligibility Dispute: DR Congo Misled FIFA in Player Clearance – NFF
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that it has submitted a formal petition to FIFA over the alleged use of ineligible players by DR Congo in their CAF playoff match against Nigeria for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Super Eagles lost the playoff on penalties, but Nigeria’s qualification hopes have been renewed after FIFA opened an investigation into the eligibility of some DR Congo players who took part in the match.
Speaking on the issue, NFF General Secretary Dr Mohammed Sanusi said FIFA may have been misled during the player clearance process by the DR Congo Football Association.
He explained that FIFA cleared the players based on documents submitted by DR Congo, as FIFA rules allow a player to represent a country if he holds a valid passport. However, Sanusi said Congolese law does not allow dual citizenship, yet some of the players involved reportedly hold two nationalities.
“FIFA was deceived into clearing those players because it is not FIFA’s duty to interpret or enforce domestic citizenship laws,” Sanusi said.
According to the NFF, the problem is not with FIFA’s rules, but with the information provided by DR Congo during the clearance process. The federation believes this may amount to a breach of regulations.
The investigation is said to involve up to nine DR Congo players who allegedly changed nationality without fully completing the required legal and administrative processes under both Congolese law and FIFA regulations.
While holding a passport is important under FIFA rules, the NFF said it does not automatically make a player eligible if domestic laws have not been properly followed.
FIFA is now reviewing the case. Possible outcomes include sanctions or a match forfeiture, depending on the findings. However, a full disqualification of DR Congo is considered unlikely at this stage.
The NFF said it is still unclear whether Nigeria would qualify automatically for the intercontinental playoff in Mexico if DR Congo are punished, or if another match would be ordered.
Nigeria is now waiting for FIFA’s final decision on the matter.
