‎FIFA set to rule on Nigeria’s protest over DR Congo player eligibility in 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

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‎World football governing body Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) is expected to deliver a decision on Monday, February 16, regarding a petition filed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) challenging the eligibility of several players who featured for DR Congo national football team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers.
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‎The protest stems from allegations that up to nine players fielded by DR Congo may have contravened domestic nationality laws that prohibit dual citizenship. Nigeria was eliminated from the qualifiers after losing a decisive playoff on penalties in Morocco, a result that initially advanced DR Congo to the intercontinental playoff stage.
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‎FIFA’s ruling is expected to clarify which nation will represent Africa in next month’s intercontinental playoff in Mexico. The African representative is scheduled to face the winner of the playoff between Jamaica national football team and New Caledonia national football team in March 2026.
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‎In its petition, the NFF reportedly named players including Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe, arguing that they were improperly cleared to represent DR Congo despite allegedly holding European passports. According to Nigerian officials, Congolese law does not permit dual nationality, raising questions about the players’ eligibility.
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‎NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi stated that the federation’s submission to FIFA is supported by documentary evidence. He maintained that while FIFA does not directly interpret domestic citizenship laws, it has a responsibility to ensure compliance with its eligibility regulations.
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‎Nigerian football authorities have also pointed to previous eligibility-related sanctions imposed by FIFA in other jurisdictions as precedent for strict enforcement where credible violations are established.
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‎The case has generated wider discussion within African football circles, particularly regarding the role of senior officials within the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Reports have highlighted the position of CAF Secretary General Véron Mosengo-Omba, though no official statement has suggested any direct involvement in the matter.
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‎Both Nigeria and DR Congo are reportedly prepared to escalate the issue to the Court of Arbitration for Sport should FIFA’s ruling go against them. With potential legal implications and continental representation at stake, the decision is expected to have significant consequences for both federations ahead of the final phase of World Cup qualification.