Nigeria’s football community is becoming increasingly uneasy as FIFA has yet to issue a decision regarding the eligibility of players fielded by DR Congo during last November’s Africa 2026 World Cup play-off.
The pending verdict could determine whether the Nigeria national team gets a second chance at qualifying for the global tournament.
The controversy, initially brought forward by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in December, focuses on claims that certain members of the Congolese squad were ineligible under the country’s laws, which reportedly prohibit dual citizenship.
Among those named are Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe, both believed to possess European passports.
The Leopards edged out Nigeria in a penalty shootout to secure a place in 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, argued that the issue stems from Congolese nationality laws. He stated that while DR Congo’s laws disallow dual nationality, some players reportedly hold European and French passports, alleging that FIFA may have been misled into approving their eligibility.
In response, the Congolese Football Federation dismissed Nigeria’s protest, characterising it as an attempt to secure victory “through the back door.”
FIFA has acknowledged that the case is under review but has not set a timeframe for delivering its ruling.
NFF Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire, told Punch that reports suggesting a decision had already been reached are inaccurate, stressing that FIFA has not communicated any outcome to either federation.
The stakes remain high. Nigeria, bronze medallists at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, face the prospect of missing a second straight World Cup, while DR Congo hopes to make its first appearance at the tournament since 1974, when it competed as Zaire.
Observers caution that a delayed administrative ruling could potentially reverse results decided on the pitch and disrupt the wider competition schedule.
African football analyst, Mamadou Gaye, speaking on Soccer Africa on SuperSport, urged calm.
He noted that similar disciplinary matters have dragged on in the past, referencing a case involving South Africa national soccer team where points were deducted at a late stage.
For now, the Nigeria national football team and their supporters remain in suspense, awaiting a verdict that could significantly impact Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup ambitions.
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