NIGERIA’s football community is growing increasingly restless as FIFA continues to delay a ruling on the eligibility of players fielded by DR Congo national football team during last November’s Africa 2026 World Cup play-off, a decision that could determine whether the Nigeria national football team receive a dramatic lifeline to the global tournament.
News Point Nigeria Sport reports that the controversy, first formally raised by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in December, centres on allegations that some Congolese players were ineligible under DR Congo’s domestic law, which reportedly prohibits dual nationality.
At the heart of the protest are claims that players including Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe, among others, possessed European passports while representing DR Congo.
The Congolese side defeated Nigeria on penalties to advance to an intercontinental play-off against either Jamaica or New Caledonia. However, the NFF argues that the Leopards may have breached eligibility rules.
NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi insisted: “The Congolese rule (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.”
The Congolese Football Federation has strongly rejected the claims, dismissing the protest as an attempt by Nigeria to “win via the back door.”
FIFA has confirmed it is reviewing the matter, but has provided no timeline for a verdict.
NFF Director of Communications Ademola Olajire clarified that reports suggesting a decision has already been made are inaccurate.
“Any claims that a ruling has been made are false. FIFA has not communicated any verdict to us or to the Congolese federation.”
The absence of clarity has intensified speculation and debate across Africa’s football circles.
For Nigeria, the implications are profound. The Super Eagles, bronze medallists at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, risk missing a second consecutive World Cup — an outcome that would deepen scrutiny of the team’s rebuilding process.
For DR Congo, the stakes are equally historic. The Leopards are seeking their first return to the World Cup since 1974, when they competed under the name Zaire.
African football analyst Mamadou Gaye, speaking on SuperSport’s Soccer Africa programme, urged patience.
Referencing a similar disciplinary case involving South Africa national football team, he noted:
“We should wait for FIFA to make the decision. Remember that Bafana Bafana had points taken away right at the last minute. Nigeria should remain calm and prepared.”
Some supporters have adopted a pragmatic stance, arguing Nigeria should focus on future competitions rather than legal appeals. Others remain hopeful that a favourable ruling could revive the country’s qualification hopes.
Meanwhile, Jamaica’s football authorities are reportedly monitoring developments closely ahead of their scheduled intercontinental play-off in March. A late FIFA ruling could disrupt logistical planning, travel schedules, and tactical preparations leaving multiple teams in administrative limbo.
Supporters advancing the legal case argue that if Congolese law prohibits dual nationality and the players in question have not renounced their foreign citizenship, FIFA is duty-bound to act.
Others counter that football eligibility is governed primarily by FIFA statutes rather than domestic nationality frameworks.
Nigeria’s global football stature boosted by high-profile players such as Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, and Alex Iwobi has also been cited in public discussions, though officials stress that any decision must rest strictly on regulations.
Iwobi recently admitted the players are still waiting anxiously: “We are still waiting; hopefully, we can go to the World Cup.”