DR Congo's Final Push to Influence FIFA Verdict on Nigeria's World Cup Petition
The Democratic Republic of Congo is reportedly making a last-minute effort to secure a favorable ruling from FIFA ahead of the world football governing body's decision on Nigeria's petition regarding the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. FIFA is expected to deliver its verdict on Monday, February 16, 2026, concerning the eligibility of DR Congo's dual-national players.
Background of the Controversy
The Nigeria Football Federation submitted a formal petition to FIFA on December 15, 2025, challenging DR Congo's qualification for the intercontinental playoffs. This followed DR Congo's victory over Nigeria's Super Eagles in a penalty shootout on November 16, 2025, which ended 4-3 in favor of the Central African nation.
The NFF alleges that DR Congo fielded ineligible players during the crucial match, despite FIFA having initially cleared these players after they applied for nationality switches. According to the Nigerian federation, the Federation of Congolese Football Associations deceived FIFA into approving these switches, including that of Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
The controversy centers on players who were eligible for other countries, including England and France, but allegedly did not relinquish their other passports as required by Congolese constitution. This technicality forms the basis of Nigeria's petition to have DR Congo disqualified from the World Cup qualification process.
DR Congo's Late-Minute Maneuvering
According to reports from Sports 247, DR Congo is attempting to use the influence of CAF Secretary General Véron Mosengo-Omba, who is Congolese, to lobby FIFA officials for a favorable verdict. This last-ditch effort comes just days before FIFA's scheduled announcement.
The Leopards had qualified for the intercontinental playoffs as a seeded team and were set to face the winner of the semi-final tie between Jamaica and New Caledonia. However, Nigeria's petition has placed this qualification in jeopardy.
Nigeria's Qualification Campaign
Nigeria's path to the playoffs was anything but straightforward. The Super Eagles began their qualifying campaign poorly, managing only three points from their opening four matches under managers Jose Peseiro and Finidi George.
The appointment of Eric Chelle turned the campaign around dramatically, with Nigeria winning 14 points from a possible 18 in the final six matches to secure a playoff spot. Several factors contributed to Nigeria's qualification:
- FIFA's sanction against South Africa, which saw Bafana Bafana docked three points for fielding the ineligible Teboho Mokoena
- Eritrea's withdrawal from the qualifiers, which led CAF to deduct points gained from all bottom-placed teams
- Nigeria edging out Benin on head-to-head record and pipping Burkina Faso on goal difference
Despite these advantages, Nigeria ultimately lost to DR Congo in the playoff final, leading to the current petition.
NFF's Position and Expectations
The Nigeria Football Federation remains confident in its case, with General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi stating that the federation remains positive while awaiting FIFA's decision. The NFF believes it has presented compelling evidence regarding the eligibility issues surrounding DR Congo's players.
If FIFA rules in Nigeria's favor, it would mark an unprecedented situation where a team qualifies for the World Cup primarily through off-pitch decisions rather than on-pitch performance. This outcome would keep the Super Eagles' 2026 FIFA World Cup hopes alive despite their playoff defeat.
The football world now awaits FIFA's verdict, which could potentially reshape the qualification landscape for the 2026 World Cup and set important precedents regarding player eligibility and nationality switches in international football competitions.
