NFF challenges DR Congo’s World Cup playoff win over eligibility concerns

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has formally petitioned FIFA over the alleged use of ineligible players by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) during their decisive Africa 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff match against Nigeria.

The petition, filed after DR Congo’s victory over the Super Eagles in the playoff final last month, seeks a review of the match outcome on the grounds that some Congolese players did not meet eligibility requirements under both FIFA regulations and their country’s domestic laws.

The development comes as Nigeria attempts to revive its hopes of securing a place at the 2026 World Cup in North America, with the NFF arguing that the alleged infractions materially affected the outcome of the playoff fixture.

According to officials familiar with the petition, the NFF’s complaint centres on several foreign-born players who represented DR Congo after switching international allegiance. The Nigerian federation argues that while the players reportedly obtained Congolese passports, they may not have lawfully renounced their previous nationalities as required by DR Congo’s constitution, which does not permit dual citizenship.

FIFA regulations require that players possess the nationality of the country they represent, typically evidenced by a valid passport. However, the NFF maintains that eligibility goes beyond documentation and must align with domestic citizenship laws of the country involved.

Citizenship laws at the centre of eligibility dispute

Speaking on the matter, NFF General Secretary Sanusi Mohammed said the federation had formally drawn FIFA’s attention to the alleged inconsistencies between Congolese domestic law and the players’ eligibility status.

“FIFA was deceived into clearing those players because it is not FIFA’s responsibility to interpret or enforce domestic citizenship laws,” Mr Mohammed told reporters. “DR Congo law does not permit dual citizenship, yet some of the players involved reportedly hold dual nationality.”

He added that while FIFA oversees international football regulations, it relies on member associations to ensure that players comply with their countries’ legal frameworks before being fielded in competitive matches.

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“It is not FIFA’s duty to know the domestic laws of every country,” Mr Mohammed said. “That is why we formally submitted this petition and provided the relevant legal context. We are now awaiting FIFA’s verdict.”

The NFF believes that the alleged breach undermines the integrity of the playoff match and warrants sanctions under FIFA’s disciplinary and eligibility rules. However, the federation has not publicly named the players involved, citing the ongoing nature of the review process.

It remains unclear what outcome FIFA may reach if the petition is upheld. Possible scenarios include awarding Nigeria the African slot to the intercontinental playoffs scheduled to take place in Mexico next year, ordering a replay of the fixture, or mandating an additional qualifying match.

FIFA has yet to issue a public response to the petition, and no timeline has been provided for a decision.