Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup Hope Revives As DR Congo Faces Possible Sanctions
Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have received a lifeline after the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) formally challenged DR Congo’s participation in the African play-offs.
The NFF alleges that DR Congo breached player eligibility rules by fielding between six and nine players who may not have complied with the country’s constitutional requirements on nationality. While the players reportedly held valid Congolese passports and were cleared under FIFA rules, the NFF argues that DR Congo’s constitution does not permit dual citizenship — raising questions over whether the players properly renounced their former nationalities.
DR Congo eliminated Nigeria in November via a 4–3 penalty shootout win in Morocco, a result that ended the Super Eagles’ qualification push. The Congolese side later advanced to the intercontinental play-off final, but that position is now under scrutiny.
NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, confirmed that a petition has been submitted to FIFA, insisting the world football body may have been misled during the clearance process. He stated that while FIFA acts on documents submitted to it, enforcement of domestic nationality laws rests with the country involved.
If FIFA upholds the petition, the play-off result could be overturned, potentially reopening a qualification pathway for Nigeria. The development has renewed optimism among Nigerian fans, with the Super Eagles hoping to avoid missing a second consecutive World Cup after their absence in Qatar 2022.
As FIFA reviews the case, Nigeria’s World Cup dream, once considered over may yet be revived.
