NFF Petitions FIFA, Accuses DR Congo of Fielding Ineligible Players

The Nigeria Football Federation Secretary General, Mohammed Sanusi has confirmed that the federation has petitioned FIFA over the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DR Congo) alleged use of ineligible players during the recent African World Cup playoffs.

It would be recalled that DR Congo defeated Nigeria 4-3 on penalties after the regulation time ended 1-1 to deny the Super Eagles a place in the inter-confederation playoffs.

DR Congo will face the winners of Jamaica versus New Caledonia for a place at the tournament.

However, Most of the players who represented DR Congo in the playoffs are foreign-born and were only recently cleared to play for the country.

According to Congolese law, dual nationality is not recognised. Children born abroad to Congolese parents may hold dual citizenship only until the age of 21, after which they must renounce one nationality.

Sanusi accused DR Congo of deceiving FIFA into clearing the players to represent the country while adding that several members of the Leopards squad at the playoffs have both European and Congolese passports.

He said: “We’re waiting. The Congolese rules say you cannot have dual citizenship or nationality. Wan-Bissaka has a European passport; some of them have French passports, others Dutch passports. The rules are very clear, and we have submitted our petition.

FIFA cleared the players because FIFA’s eligibility rule is different from DR Congo’s rule. FIFA regulations say that once you have the passport of your country, you are eligible.

“But our contention is that FIFA was deceived into clearing them. Because it is not the responsibility of FIFA to ensure that the regulations of DR Congo are being abided by. It was on the basis of what was presented to FIFA that the players were cleared. But we are saying it was fraudulent.”

Meanwhile, DR Congo has reacted to the petition filed by the Nigeria Football Federation, accusing Nigeria of trying to win from the back door.

The team’s official X account wrote: “If you can’t win on the pitch, don’t try to win from the back door. The World Cup must be played with dignity and confidence — not with legal tricks. Bring it on.”

The Super Eagles have now failed to qualify for two consecutive World Cups in 2022, and 2026.