Nigeria’s football community is facing mounting frustration as FIFA continues to delay a ruling on the eligibility of players fielded by DR Congo during last November’s Africa 2026 World Cup play-off, a decision that could determine whether the Super Eagles gain a lifeline to the global tournament, The PUNCH reports.
The matter, first raised by the Nigeria Football Federation in December, concerns allegations that Leopards players Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, among other players were ineligible under Congolese law, which prohibits dual citizenship.
The DR Congo squad beat Nigeria on penalties to advance to an intercontinental play-off against either Jamaica or New Caledonia, yet the NFF contends that the Leopards violated FIFA regulations.
NFF general secretary Mohammed Sanusi has maintained that, “The Congolese rule (law) says you cannot have dual nationality, but some of their players have European and French passports. Our contention is that FIFA was deceived into clearing them.”
The Congolese Football Federation has dismissed the protest as an attempt to “win via the back door.”
FIFA has confirmed that it is reviewing the matter, though no timeline has been provided for a verdict.
NFF director of communications Ademola Olajire stated, “Any claims that a ruling has been made are false. FIFA has not communicated any verdict to us or to the Congolese federation.”
The stakes are high. Nigeria, bronze medallists at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, faces the prospect of missing a second consecutive World Cup, while DR Congo is attempting to return to the global stage for the first time since 1974, when it competed as Zaire.
Observers warn that a late administrative ruling could overturn on-field results, creating uncertainty not only for the teams involved but also for the broader competition schedule.
African football expert Mamadou Gaye, speaking on SuperSport’s Soccer Africa programme, urged Nigerian fans to remain patient.
Referencing a similar case involving South Africa’s Bafana Bafana, he said, “We should wait for FIFA to make the decision.
Remember that Bafana Bafana had points taken away right at the last minute. Nigeria should remain calm and prepared.”
The precedent illustrates that FIFA’s disciplinary process can be protracted, with rulings often issued months after the matches in question, particularly when eligibility rules are complex.
The delay has sparked intense debate on social media, where supporters and critics alike have weighed in.
