Nigeria’s football community is facing mounting frustration as FIFA continues to delay a ruling on the eligibility of players fielded by DR Congo during last November’s Africa 2026 World Cup play-off, a decision that could determine whether the Super Eagles gain a lifeline to the global tournament.
The matter, first raised by the Nigeria Football Federation in December, concerns allegations that Leopards players Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, among other players were ineligible under Congolese law, which prohibits dual citizenship.
The DR Congo squad beat Nigeria on penalties to advance to an intercontinental play-off against either Jamaica or New Caledonia, yet the NFF contends that the Leopards violated FIFA regulations.
NFF general secretary Mohammed Sanusi has maintained that, “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 has dismissed the protest as an attempt to “win via the back door.”
FIFA has confirmed that it is reviewing the matter, though no timeline has been provided for a verdict.
NFF director of communications Ademola Olajire stated, “Any claims that a ruling has been made are false. FIFA has not communicated any verdict to us or to the Congolese federation.”
