The Digest:
The Nigeria Football Federation has lodged a formal protest with FIFA, alleging that DR Congo fielded ineligible players in their playoff victory, a move that could potentially reinstate the Super Eagles to the 2026 World Cup qualification pathway.
Key Points:
- Nigeria has submitted a formal protest to FIFA challenging the eligibility of DR Congo players used in a playoff match.
- DR Congo defeated Nigeria on penalties in November to secure Africa's slot in the Intercontinental Playoffs.
- The NFF alleges up to six Congolese players may have breached FIFA rules by not formally renouncing previous citizenships.
- Key to the claim is that DR Congo does not recognize dual nationality, yet some players held European passports.
- NFF Secretary General Mohammed Sanusi stated FIFA was "deceived" into clearing the players based on incomplete information.
- If FIFA rules in Nigeria's favour, the Super Eagles could be reinstated for the playoffs scheduled for March 2026.
- The controversy centres on whether players over 21 with foreign passports complied with Congolese nationality law.
Sources: Vanguard News
