December 17, 2025 | SUNTV Global Channel
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has slammed Nigeria over a recent FIFA petition, warning the Super Eagles against trying to qualify for the 2026 World Cup “from the back door” after losing to the Leopards on penalties.
The DRC reacted strongly through its official Instagram page on Tuesday night, posting a blunt message directed at Nigeria following confirmation that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had formally challenged FIFA over the eligibility of nine Congolese players in the final CAF 2026 World Cup playoff held in Morocco last month.
“If you can’t win on the pitch, don’t try to win from the back door. The World Cup has to be played with dignity and confidence, not with lawyer tricks. Bring it on. Allez y les Leopards. Bad losers,” the post read.
The NFF petition alleges that DR Congo fielded nine players who were ineligible due to dual nationality, which is prohibited under Congolese law. NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi told ScoreNigeria that the Congolese Football Federation misled FIFA regarding the players’ eligibility.
“FIFA was deceived into clearing these players because it is not their responsibility to enforce domestic citizenship laws,” Sanusi said. “DR Congo law does not permit dual citizenship, yet some of the players involved reportedly hold dual nationality.”
He added, “FIFA rules say once you have a passport of your country, you’re eligible, and that is why they were cleared. But our concern is that FIFA was misled during the process, and this is what we are bringing to light.”
The unfolding controversy has reignited hope among Nigerian football fans, who are eager to see their team return to the World Cup stage. Nigeria has not qualified since 2018 and narrowly missed the 2022 tournament in Qatar. Missing out again in 2026 would mean back-to-back absences for Africa’s most populous nation.
As the FIFA investigation continues, the Nigerian football community remains on edge, hoping the Super Eagles can secure a spot in the global tournament through fair play.
