Nigeria’s Super Eagles have filed a formal complaint to FIFA, alleging that the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) fielded ineligible players in last month’s African play‑off final.
The match ended in a penalty shootout victory for DR Congo, securing their place in the March 2026 Inter‑confederation playoff.
The ruling could have major implications for Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz, who are set to contest the playoff in March. Jamaica will first face New Caledonia, with the winner scheduled to meet DR Congo.
However, if Nigeria’s protest succeeds, the Super Eagles could replace DR Congo as Africa’s representative in the three‑team playoff group.
According to the BBC, Nigeria’s claim centres on players who recently switched allegiance to DR Congo, including Aaron Wan‑Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) argues that Congolese law prohibits dual citizenship, yet some of the players hold European or French passports. NFF general secretary Mohammed Sanusi said, “Our contention is that Fifa was deceived into clearing them… There is what we consider to be a breach of regulations. We are saying it was fraudulent.”
The Congolese Football Federation (Fecofa) has dismissed the challenge, accusing Nigeria of attempting to “win via the back door.”
In a social media post, Fecofa declared: “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 lawyers’ tricks. Bring it on.”
The case now rests with FIFA, whose ruling will determine whether DR Congo retains its playoff slot or Nigeria is reinstated for a final shot at qualification.
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