The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has launched a formal protest with world football's governing body, FIFA, alleging that the Democratic Republic of Congo fielded multiple ineligible players during a decisive World Cup qualifying match. This move comes after DR Congo defeated the Super Eagles of Nigeria 4-3 on penalties in an African playoff final held in Morocco, clinching a spot in the intercontinental playoffs.
The Core of Nigeria's Argument to FIFA
According to reports, the NFF's General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, confirmed the federation has officially begun its protest. The controversy hinges not on FIFA's own eligibility rules, which were initially satisfied, but on a technicality within DR Congo's national constitution. The constitution of DR Congo reportedly forbids dual nationality, requiring citizens who hold a foreign passport to renounce one of the two citizenships.
Nigeria's petition argues that several players in the Congolese squad, including former Manchester United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe, who recently switched allegiance to DR Congo, are in violation of this national law. The NFF is therefore seeking the expulsion of DR Congo from the intercontinental playoffs, which would see Nigeria take their place.
DR Congo's Football Director Fires Back
Herita Ilunga, the Director of Football for the Congolese Association Football Federation (FECOFA), has publicly responded to Nigeria's petition. In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Ilunga dismissed the NFF's claims, stating that FIFA's criteria are based on sporting nationality, not legal nationality.
"FIFA doesn't consider legal nationality but sporting nationality. If that's true, I advise you, dear Nija brothers, to focus on the AFCON instead ?," Ilunga wrote. His comment has sparked significant reactions online, with many users criticizing the NFF's move as a futile effort and a distraction from other footballing priorities.
Public Reaction and What Happens Next
The online discourse has been largely critical of Nigeria's petition. One user, @Mansour_Loum, called it "a waste of time, energy, and money," suggesting the complaint would end up "in the bin." Another, @_plamz, questioned the timing, noting that DR Congo has historically fielded diaspora players without issue until now.
The world football governing body is expected to deliver a verdict on this high-stakes case before the intercontinental playoffs are held in Mexico in March 2026. In that playoff, DR Congo is scheduled to face the winner of the match between Jamaica and New Caledonia for a chance to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
This development adds another layer of drama to Africa's World Cup qualifying journey, placing the administrative regulations of FIFA directly alongside the constitutional laws of a member nation. The football world now awaits FIFA's ruling, which could dramatically alter the path to the 2026 tournament.
