A former Nigerian senator, Shehu Sani, has sounded a note of caution over the Nigeria Football Federation's (NFF) legal bid to disqualify the Democratic Republic of Congo from the 2026 FIFA World Cup intercontinental playoffs, warning of potential diplomatic repercussions involving the United States.
NFF's Petition for a World Cup Lifeline
The controversy stems from Nigeria's dramatic exit from the African World Cup qualifying pathway. The Super Eagles were defeated by DR Congo's Leopards on penalties in the final of the African playoffs in November 2025. The victory earned DR Congo the right to face the winner of the Jamaica vs. New Caledonia semi-final in a decisive intercontinental playoff in Mexico in March 2026.
However, unwilling to accept defeat, the NFF has launched a formal challenge. The federation confirmed it has submitted an official petition to FIFA, alleging that several DR Congo players, including Aaron Wan-Bissaka, were ineligible to play. The NFF's argument hinges on a claim that these players, who recently switched their international allegiance to DR Congo, did not formally renounce their European citizenships as required by the Congolese constitution.
The NFF contends that FIFA was misled into clearing the players and that their participation constituted a breach of both Congolese law and FIFA's own regulations.
Shehu Sani's Diplomatic Warning
Former senator Shehu Sani has publicly questioned the wisdom of this approach, framing it as an attempt to qualify through the "backdoor" after failing on the pitch. In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) page, Sani linked the sporting dispute to broader geopolitical dynamics.
He specifically pointed to the relationship between former US President Donald Trump and the DR Congo, referencing recent mineral deals. Sani warned that pushing for DR Congo's removal could trigger visa complications for Nigerian players, alluding to Trump's previous travel ban which included Nigeria.
"The way Mr Trump loves the President of DRC and their recent mineral deals, if we go ahead to trigger the removal of the DRC, I hope our players go get visa," Sani wrote. His comments reference the fact that, as reported by The Athletic, FIFA has confirmed athletes from countries on the US travel ban list would be excluded from the 2026 World Cup hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico.
Public Reaction and DR Congo's Defence
The issue has sparked heated debate among Nigerian football fans online. While some share Sani's concerns, others have urged the NFF to pursue every possible avenue to secure a World Cup spot, arguing that "soccer is a game played on and off pitch."
One user wrote, "Of course, when we get to that bridge we will know what to do. For now NFF should kindly explore every attainable access to the World Cup o!"
Meanwhile, DR Congo has been active in defending its position. Reports indicate that Congolese officials have shared documentation from FIFA's portal proving the players' eligibility, aiming to debunk the claims of ineligibility being circulated online. They have warned Nigeria against what they term "backdoor tactics."
The situation now rests with FIFA, which is set to make a final ruling on Nigeria's controversial petition. The decision will determine whether DR Congo proceeds to the intercontinental playoff or whether Nigeria is handed an unexpected lifeline to the 2026 World Cup, albeit one fraught with potential political complications.
