Nigeria Await FIFA Ruling As DR Congo Face Eligibility Scrutiny In World Cup Qualifiers

Nigeria Await FIFA Ruling As DR Congo Face Eligibility Scrutiny In World Cup Qualifiers

By BSN Sports 

Nigeria’s hopes of returning to the FIFA World Cup could yet be revived as world football’s governing body continues to investigate eligibility concerns involving the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) following the African playoffs for the 2026 tournament, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The Super Eagles were eliminated by DR Congo on penalties in the decisive playoff for Africa’s intercontinental qualifying place. However, that result remains under scrutiny after allegations emerged that DR Congo may have fielded players who were ineligible under FIFA regulations.

The investigation centres on claims that about nine DR Congo players may have switched nationalities without fully completing the legal and administrative processes required by both Congolese law and FIFA statutes. DR Congo does not generally permit dual citizenship, meaning individuals who acquire another nationality are expected to formally renounce their original citizenship a requirement that becomes particularly significant for players who had already exceeded the age limit for making a definitive nationality choice.

Under FIFA regulations, possession of a passport alone does not guarantee eligibility to represent a national team. Players must satisfy domestic legal requirements and comply with FIFA’s rules governing changes of international allegiance. Reports suggest that some of these conditions may not have been fully met, with additional questions raised over the documentation of at least one player who had previously declined an international call-up.

FIFA is understood to be examining the matter closely, with its findings expected to determine whether any violations occurred and what sanctions, if any, may be imposed. Possible outcomes range from match forfeitures to broader disciplinary measures, depending on the severity of any confirmed breaches.

While a full expulsion from international competition would represent an extreme outcome, the ongoing inquiry has cast uncertainty over DR Congo’s World Cup qualification status. Nigeria, meanwhile, remain on standby as they await FIFA’s final decision.