DR Congo warns Nigeria over World Cup eligibility protest
Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup have sparked controversy after the Nigeria Football Federation filed a petition to FIFA. The complaint questions the eligibility of several DR Congo players who featured in the recent play-off clash. DR Congo responded strongly, accusing Nigeria of seeking to overturn the result off the pitch. The dispute centers on dual citizenship rules and FIFA’s player clearance process.
Match highlights
- Nigeria protested to FIFA about the eligibility of up to nine DR Congo players following their penalty shoot-out defeat on June 5, 2025.
- DR Congo insists all players were cleared by FIFA, citing valid Congolese passports and official documentation.
- Nigeria argues that DR Congo’s constitution does not allow dual nationality, and some players allegedly failed to renounce previous citizenships.
- DR Congo publicly dismissed Nigeria’s claims, warning against “backdoor” attempts to qualify for the World Cup.
- The outcome of Nigeria’s petition could impact DR Congo’s place in the intercontinental play-off final and Nigeria’s World Cup hopes.
