NFF write Fifa seeking to get DR Congo disqualified in last ditch attempt to qualify for World Cup

NIGERIAN Football Federation (NFF) officials have written to Fifa alleging that the Democratic Republic of Congo breached its rules by fielding ineligible players in the recent World Cup play-off in a desperate last-ditch attempt to qualify for North American 2026.

Last month, the Leopards of DR Congo beat the Super Eagles of Nigeria in the final of the African World Cup playoff at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. With this victory, the Congolese qualified to represent Africa in Fifa's inter-continental play-off taking place in March next year in Mexico, from where two teams will qualify for the World Cup.

However, Nigeria is desperate to go to the World Cup, so the NFF have sought to exploit a small loophole in Congolese laws that prevents its people from having dual citizenship. A letter has thus been sent to Fifa's headquarters in Zurich, requesting that the Congolese be disqualified for fielding ineligible players.

Reports suggest that up to six Congolese players may not have completed the full nationality switch process required under Fifa regulations. Central to the allegations is the claim that the players did not formally renounce their previous citizenships, a requirement under Congolese law, which does not recognise dual nationality.

Further concerns have been raised about players holding European passports and being over the age of 21, circumstances that could place them in breach of Fifa’s eligibility rules. Confirming Nigeria’s position, the NFF secretary general, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, said that a petition has been submitted to Fifa challenging the participation of the players.

Dr Sanusi added: “We’re waiting as Congolese rules say you cannot have a dual citizenship or nationality. Wan-Bissaka has a European passport and there are some of them that have French passports, while some of them Dutch passports. The rules are very clear and we have submitted our petition.”

He explained that Fifa’s clearance of the players was based on documentation provided by DR Congo but Nigeria believes the process may have been compromised. In its petition, the NFF is claiming that the Congolese authorities misled Fifa and are hoping that the global body will demand a replay of the match at the very least.

“That’s why Fifa cleared them. Fifa rules say once you have passports of your country, you’re eligible and as far as Fifa is concerned, they are eligible and that’s why they were cleared 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. Fifa goes by its own regulations and it was on the basis of what was submitted to Fifa that they cleared them. What we are saying is that it was fraudulent,” Dr Sanusi added.

Fifa will now determine whether DR Congo breached eligibility rules and should Nigeria’s petition succeed, the Super Eagles could be reinstated into contention for the inter-continental playoffs.  This development, although a long shot, has rekindled hope among Nigerian football fans, who had resigned themselves to missing out on a second successive World Cup following the loss to DR Congo in a penalty shootout last month after playing a 1-1 draw in regulation time.