The Democratic Republic of Congo has launched a scathing attack on Nigeria, accusing the Super Eagles of attempting to qualify for the 2026 World Cup "from the back door" through legal means after losing on the pitch.
War of Words Erupts on Social Media
This fierce criticism came in response to the Nigeria Football Federation's confirmed petition to FIFA, football's global governing body. The NFF alleges that nine players fielded by DR Congo during their crucial playoff match were ineligible under Congolese domestic law.
In a statement posted on its official Instagram page on Tuesday night, the Congolese team did not hold back. "If you can’t win on the pitch don’t try to win from the back door," the statement read. It went on to declare, "The World Cup has to be played with dignity and confidence. Not with lawyers tricks. Bring it on. Allez y les Leopards. Bad losers."
The Core of Nigeria's Legal Challenge
NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, detailed the federation's position. He explained that FIFA's clearance of the players was based on passport presentation, but argued the process was flawed. "FIFA were deceived into clearing those players because it is not FIFA’s responsibility to interpret or enforce domestic citizenship laws," Sanusi stated.
The Nigerian petition hinges on the claim that Congolese law does not permit dual citizenship. Sanusi contends that some of the players involved hold dual nationality, making them ineligible to represent DR Congo. "FIFA rules say once you have a passport of your country, you’re eligible, and that is why they were cleared. But our concern is that FIFA was deceived," he added, calling the process "fraudulent."
High Stakes and National Hopes
The controversy stems from the high-stakes 2026 World Cup playoffs held in Morocco, where DR Congo defeated Nigeria in a dramatic penalty shootout. That victory secured the Leopards a place in the upcoming Intercontinental Playoffs in March 2026 in Mexico, keeping their World Cup dream alive.
For Nigeria, the stakes are equally monumental. The Super Eagles last graced the World Cup stage in 2018 and painfully missed the 2022 edition in Qatar. Another absence in 2026 would be a devastating blow to the nation's passionate football fans.
The dispute has ignited heated debate among Nigerian supporters. Many cling to hope that FIFA's review could overturn the result and reinstate the Super Eagles into the Intercontinental Playoffs, provided the fixtures have not already been played.
The matter now rests entirely with FIFA, which must determine if DR Congo breached player eligibility rules. The world awaits a decision that could dramatically alter the path to the 2026 World Cup.
