Super Eagles World Cup hopes revived with last-minute FIFA intervention

Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been unexpectedly reignited following confirmation of a formal FIFA investigation into DR Congo’s eligibility during the playoff stage of the qualifiers.

The development comes months after the Super Eagles were eliminated on penalties by the Congolese side, who went on to secure Africa’s place in the Intercontinental Playoffs.

Fresh reports have emerged suggesting DR Congo could face sanctions for allegedly fielding ineligible players during their decisive playoff clash against Nigeria in November.

According to the claims, as many as six Congolese players who switched national allegiance may not have fully complied with FIFA’s eligibility requirements, potentially reopening the qualification pathway for the Super Eagles ahead of the Intercontinental Playoffs scheduled for March 2026.

Central to the case is the issue of nationality laws. DR Congo does not recognise dual citizenship, yet several players involved in the match are alleged to still hold European passports. There are also claims that some of the players were over the age of 21 at the time of their switch, which could further complicate their eligibility under FIFA regulations.

Confirming Nigeria’s position, Nigeria Football Federation Secretary General Dr Mohammed Sanusi revealed that the federation has formally petitioned FIFA over the matter. “We’re waiting. The Congolese rules say you cannot have a dual citizenship or nationality.

Wan-Bissaka has a European passport, there are some of them that have French passports, some of them Dutch passports,” Sanusi said. “The rules are very clear, and we have submitted our petition.”

Sanusi explained that FIFA’s original clearance of the players was based on documentation submitted by the Congolese FA, but Nigeria believes that information may have been misleading.

“That’s why FIFA cleared them. FIFA rules say once you have passports of your country, you’re eligible, as far as FIFA is concerned, they are eligible and that’s why they were cleared,” he added.

However, the NFF insists that FIFA may have been deceived during that process. “But right now, our concern is that FIFA was deceived into clearing them. It is not the responsibility of FIFA to ensure that the regulations of Congo are followed.

FIFA goes by its own regulations, and it was on the basis of what was submitted to FIFA that they cleared them. What we are saying is that it was fraudulent.”

Should FIFA uphold Nigeria’s complaint and impose sanctions on DR Congo, the Super Eagles could yet be reinstated into contention for the Intercontinental Playoffs in Mexico, provided the fixtures have not already been played. For Nigeria, the ruling could represent a dramatic lifeline in their bid to return to the World Cup stage.