December 16, 2025 | SUNTV Global Channel Sports Desk
Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been reignited following a formal petition by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) challenging the eligibility of several DR Congo players used during the African qualifying play-offs.
SUNTV Global Channel reports that the NFF has submitted documents to FIFA alleging that DR Congo fielded between six and nine players who may not have met the legal requirements to represent the Central African nation, potentially reopening Nigeria’s path to the World Cup finals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The Super Eagles were knocked out of the African play-offs in November after losing 4–3 on penalties to DR Congo in Morocco, a defeat that appeared to end Nigeria’s World Cup campaign and raised fears of missing the global showpiece for a second consecutive time after Qatar 2022.
However, fresh developments have cast doubt over DR Congo’s progression. The Congolese side had already been handed a bye into the final of the FIFA intercontinental play-off, where they are scheduled to face the winner of the semi-final clash between New Caledonia and Jamaica. That position could now be under threat if FIFA upholds Nigeria’s petition.
According to information gathered by SUNTV Global Channel, the controversy centres on players who switched international allegiance to DR Congo but allegedly failed to fully comply with the country’s constitutional provisions. Reports claim that while FIFA cleared the players after they presented valid DR Congo passports, they may not have formally renounced their previous nationalities, a key requirement under Congolese law, which does not recognise dual citizenship.
An NFF executive committee member confirmed the federation’s actions, stating that all necessary steps have been taken to pursue the matter at the highest level.
“NFF has done the needful,” the official disclosed. “Their constitution does not allow dual citizenship, yet several players with European passports featured during the play-off. That is the loophole we are exploring, and our legal team has submitted the relevant documents to FIFA.”
NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, also confirmed that the federation has officially faulted the eligibility of the players in question.
“We are waiting for a response,” Sanusi said. “Congolese rules are clear — you cannot hold dual citizenship. Some of the players have French, Dutch, and other European passports. These issues were clearly outlined in our petition.”
Sanusi explained that while FIFA regulations permit a player to represent a country once they possess its passport, the global body relies on the authenticity of documents submitted by national federations.
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“FIFA cleared them based on the passports presented,” he added. “But our concern is that FIFA may have been misled. It is not FIFA’s role to enforce Congo’s domestic laws; they act on information provided. What we are alleging is that the process was fraudulent.”
The unfolding situation has injected renewed optimism into Nigerian football circles, with fans and analysts closely monitoring FIFA’s response. A favourable ruling could see Nigeria reinstated into the qualification process, keeping alive the Super Eagles’ dream of returning to the World Cup stage.
DR Congo, for their part, have only featured once at the FIFA World Cup, in 1974, when the country competed under the name Zaire.
As the legal battle continues, SUNTV Global Channel will keep tracking developments surrounding the case and its potential impact on Nigeria’s World Cup ambitions.
