Nigeria Rekindles World Cup Qualification Hopes with Protest against DR. Congo

All seems not to be over for the hopes of the Super Eagles of Nigeria to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The Nigeria Football Federation has struck a strong case against DR Congo, which could potentially bring them back into contention for a qualifying spot to the World Cup.

Weeks after their elimination from the African qualifiers, Nigeria has officially petitioned FIFA, protesting DR. Congo's victory over them.

The Nigeria Football Federation has complained that DR. fielded ineligible players against them in their 4-3 win during the final African play-offs qualifiers match in November 2025.

Nigeria and the DR Congo drew 1-1 on the field of play in Morocco, before going into a penalty shootout, where the Congolese triumphed 4-3. Nigeria has argued that DR. Congo fielded about six players who face identity issues.

They claimed that the players in question hold dual citizenship and were ineligible to play for the country. Research shows that DR. Congo does not recognize dual nationality. The issues have birthed another lifeline for Nigeria.

The Nigeria Football Federation Secretary General, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, confirmed their petition: “The Congolese rules say you cannot have dual citizenship. Some of the players have European passports. The rules are very clear, and we have submitted our petition. Our concern is that FIFA was deceived into clearing them".

Meanwhile, FIFA has acknowledged Nigeria's protest against DR. Congo. The Football governing body is expected to review the matter and render a decision.

On the other side of the divide, the DR Congo Football Federation has refuted Nigeria's clams, stating that the Super Eagles are attempting to qualify through what it described as using the "back door”.

If the Super Eagles' appeal is granted, they would advance to the six-team Intercontinental Play-Off in March 2026, leaving a heartbreaking for DR. Congo, who have already made their way.

But if rejected, Nigeria's hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be finally over.