- Nigeria Awaits FIFA Verdict On DR Congo Player Eligibility Dispute
-
NFF alleges dual citizenship breach under Congolese law.
-
FIFA yet to announce verdict on World Cup dispute.
Nigeria’s football community is awaiting a decision from FIFA over the eligibility of players fielded by DR Congo during last November’s Africa 2026 World Cup play off.
The ruling could determine whether the Super Eagles receive a lifeline in their bid to qualify for the global tournament.
EDITOR’S PICKS
- Governor Ahmadu Fintiri Defects To APC As Atiku’s Son Refuses To Dump PDP
- Should Governors Have To Join Ruling Party for ‘Greater Federal Support’?
- FEDSA National Pays Courtesy Visit to Lekki LCDA Chairman, Applauds Free JAMB Initiative
EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Nigeria Football Federation raised the protest in December, alleging that some players in the DR Congo squad were ineligible under Congolese law, which reportedly prohibits dual citizenship. Among those mentioned are Aaron Wan Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe, who are said to possess European passports.
DR Congo defeated Nigeria on penalties to advance to an intercontinental play off against either Jamaica or New Caledonia. However, the NFF maintains that the Congolese side breached FIFA regulations.
NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, said, “The Congolese rule law says you cannot have dual nationality, but some of their players have European and French passports. Our contention is that FIFA was deceived into clearing them.”
The Congolese Football Federation dismissed the protest, describing it as an attempt to “win via the back door.”
FIFA confirmed it is reviewing the complaint but has not announced a timeline for a verdict. NFF Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire, said, “Any claims that a ruling has been made are false. FIFA has not communicated any verdict to us or to the Congolese federation.”
The stakes are high. Nigeria, bronze medallists at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, risk missing a second consecutive World Cup. DR Congo is chasing its first appearance at the tournament since 1974, when it competed as Zaire.
For now, Nigeria remains in limbo, awaiting FIFA’s final decision.
FURTHER READING
- Fire Breaks Out At Jama’a Emir’s Palace In Kaduna
- ‘Security Is Local’ – Tinubu Makes Fresh Case for State Policing
- Nigeria’s GDP Grows by 4.07% in Q4 2025, NBS Reports
