NFF Lodges Official Petition with FIFA Over DR Congo's Use of Ineligible Players in World Cup Playoffs
— Imran Muhammad (@Imranmuhdz) December 16, 2025
Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, confirmed to journalists on Tuesday that the federation has submitted a formal protest to FIFA,… pic.twitter.com/9IP66ilXEG
The Nigeria Football Federation has confirmed it has opened an investigation into DR Congo’s use of allegedly ineligible players during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, a move that could reopen Nigeria’s qualification path. The inquiry follows DR Congo’s penalty shoot-out victory over Nigeria in the African play-offs.
DR Congo eliminated the Super Eagles in November after a 4–3 penalty shoot-out win in Morocco, ending Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the intercontinental play-off. The Congolese side later received a bye into the final of the intercontinental play-off tournament.
However, their place in that final is now uncertain after the NFF raised concerns over the eligibility of several players fielded by DR Congo. Reports suggest between six and nine players who switched allegiance may not have met Congolese legal requirements before representing the country.
“NFF has done the needful,” a federation executive board member said. “Their constitution does not allow dual citizenship, and about six to nine players had that status during the play-off. That is the loophole we are exploring. Our lawyers must have submitted the relevant documents to FIFA as well.”
NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, confirmed the petition, saying, “We’re waiting. The Congolese rules say you cannot have dual citizenship or nationality.” He added, “What we are saying is that the process was fraudulent.” The development has boosted Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.