FIFA has dismissed Nigeria's appeal challenging the eligibility of several DR Congo players, effectively ending the Super Eagles' 2026 World Cup qualification campaign. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had alleged that DR Congo fielded ineligible players, citing the country's law that prohibits dual citizenship. However, FIFA ruled that DR Congo complied with all regulatory requirements, upholding the original match outcome.
The controversy began when Nigeria lost to DR Congo on penalties in the African playoff final, a result that sent DR Congo to the intercontinental playoffs in March 2026. The NFF argued that several DR Congo players, including Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe, were ineligible due to holding European passports and not renouncing their foreign citizenship. FIFA's investigation found no evidence to support Nigeria's claims, leading to the dismissal of the protest.
DR Congo's football federation, Fecofa, welcomed the ruling, accusing Nigeria of attempting to overturn a sporting result through administrative means. "If you can't win on the pitch, don't try to win from the back door," Fecofa stated on social media.
The decision marks a disappointing end to Nigeria's World Cup campaign, with the team failing to qualify for consecutive tournaments. DR Congo, on the other hand, advances to the intercontinental playoffs, maintaining their path toward a potential historic appearance at the global finals.
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