Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup have been revived after the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) filed a petition with FIFA challenging the eligibility of some DR Congo players about six to nine of them which includes Aaron Wan-Bissaka former Manchester United player that is currently playing for West Ham United.
The NFF alleges that DR Congo fielded ineligible players, including those who didn’t formally renounce their previous citizenship, violating FIFA regulations and DR Congo’s constitution, which doesn’t recognize dual nationality.
NFF General Secretary, Dr. Muhamed Sanusi confirmed NFF petition against DR Congo saying: “Wan-Bissaka has a European passport; some of them have French passports, others Dutch passports. The rules are very clear, and we have submitted our petition.
FIFA rules say once you have a passport of your country, you’re eligible, and that is why they were cleared, But our concern is that FIFA was deceived into clearing them. It is not FIFA’s responsibility to enforce Congo’s domestic regulations; FIFA acts based on what is submitted to it. What we are saying is that the process was fraudulent.”
If FIFA rules in Nigeria’s favor, the outcome of the playoff could be overturned, potentially reopening Nigeria’s path to qualification. DR Congo had defeated Nigeria on penalties after a 1 – 1on November 16 to secure Africa’s slot in the Intercontinental Playoffs .
The NFF has submitted evidence, including claims that some DR Congo players hold European passports and may have been over 21, breaching FIFA’s eligibility rules. FIFA is reviewing the case, and a decision is expected before the Intercontinental Playoffs in March 2026.
