Fresh controversy has emerged around DR Congo’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, following allegations that the Congolese side fielded ineligible players during the African play-offs.
The issue has now triggered a formal probe that could reopen Nigeria’s path to the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
DR Congo had ended Nigeria’s hopes in November, edging the Super Eagles 4–3 on penalties in Morocco to advance from the African play-offs.
That win later earned them a bye into the final of the intercontinental play-off, where they are set to meet the winner of the semi-final between New Caledonia and Jamaica.
However, that progress is now under scrutiny. The Nigeria Football Federation has confirmed it has initiated an investigation into the eligibility of several DR Congo players used in the play-offs. Should the claims be upheld, the outcome of the tie could be revisited, potentially putting Nigeria back in contention for a World Cup place.
Reports indicate that between six and nine DR Congo players who changed national allegiance may not have fully met eligibility rules under Congolese law before playing for the country.
Although FIFA is said to have cleared the players because they held valid DR Congo passports, allegations persist that they did not formally renounce their previous citizenships.
This is important because the country’s constitution does not allow dual nationality.
A senior football official confirmed that the necessary steps have been taken to address the matter, saying the federation has “done the needful.
Nigeria is challenging DR Congo’s use of six to nine players in the World Cup play-offs, citing the country’s constitution, which prohibits dual citizenship. The NFF claims some of these players still hold European passports, making them ineligible under Congolese law.
NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi explained that while FIFA cleared the players based on their DR Congo passports, the process may have ignored the country’s domestic rules, and Nigeria has submitted relevant documents to FIFA, alleging the clearance was obtained fraudulently.
The development has reignited Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, after missing out on the 2022 edition. DR Congo, who last appeared at the World Cup in 1974 as Zaire, could face penalties if the petition succeeds.