Nigeria’s football community is growing increasingly frustrated as FIFA delays a decision on the eligibility of players fielded by DR Congo national football team during November’s Africa 2026 World Cup playoff.
The case, first raised by the Nigeria Football Federation in December, centers on claims that some Congolese players, including Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe, were ineligible under Congolese law, which prohibits dual citizenship.
DR Congo defeated Nigeria on penalties to advance to an intercontinental playoff, but the NFF argues the Leopards breached FIFA regulations.
NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi said the federation believes FIFA was misled in clearing the players.
“The Congolese 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,” he said.
The Congolese Football Federation has rejected the protest, describing it as an attempt to win “via the back door.”
FIFA confirmed it is reviewing the matter but has not provided a timeline for a ruling.
NFF Director of Communications Ademola Olajire said no decision has been communicated to either federation.
The outcome could determine whether Nigeria’s Super Eagles remain in contention for a place at the 2026 World Cup. Nigeria, bronze medalists at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, risk missing a second consecutive tournament, while DR Congo is seeking its first World Cup appearance since 1974, when it competed as Zaire.
Observers warn that a late ruling could overturn the result and disrupt preparations for the intercontinental playoff.
Football analyst Mamadou Gaye, speaking on SuperSport, urged patience, citing a previous case involving South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in which points were deducted late in the qualification process.
“We should wait for FIFA to make the decision,” he said.
The delay has sparked debate among fans on social media, with some urging the team to move on and focus on future competitions.
Meanwhile, the Jamaica Football Federation is closely monitoring the situation ahead of the intercontinental playoff scheduled for March, warning that a late decision could disrupt travel and preparations.
Players have also expressed concern over the uncertainty. Alex Iwobi said the team is still waiting for clarity on its fate.
As the playoff approaches, Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying remain uncertain, with the final decision resting on FIFA’s pending ruling.
