NFF launch investigation into Dr Congo’s alleged use of ineligible player

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed it has launched 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 path to the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico

DR Congo eliminated Nigeria from the African play-offs in November after a 4–3 penalty shoot-out victory in Morocco, ending the Super Eagles’ hopes of advancing to the FIFA intercontinental play-off.

The Congolese team has since been given a bye to the final of the intercontinental play-off tournament, where they are set to face the winner of the semi-final between New Caledonia and Jamaica. However, their participation may now be in doubt following eligibility concerns raised by the NFF regarding several DR Congo players fielded during the African play-offs.

Reports indicate that between six and nine DR Congo players who switched national allegiance may not have fully complied with eligibility requirements under Congolese law before representing the country. While FIFA cleared the players based on possession of valid DR Congo passports, it is alleged that they did not formally renounce their previous citizenships, violating the Central African nation’s constitution, which prohibits dual nationality.

“NFF has done the needful,” a member of the federation’s executive board told PUNCH Online. “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 also confirmed that the federation has challenged the players’ eligibility.

“We’re waiting. The Congolese rules say you cannot have dual citizenship or nationality,” Sanusi said. “Wan-Bissaka has a European passport; some of them have French passports, others Dutch passports. The rules are very clear, and we have submitted our petition.

“FIFA rules say once you have a passport of your country, you’re eligible, and that is why they were cleared,” he explained. “But our concern is that FIFA was deceived into clearing them. It is not FIFA’s responsibility to enforce Congo’s domestic regulations; FIFA acts based on what is submitted to it. What we are saying is that the process was fraudulent.”

The development has renewed Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, having missed out on the 2022 edition in Qatar.

DR Congo has appeared at the FIFA World Cup once, in 1974, when they were known as Zaire.