NFF file protest against DR Congo for fielding unqualified players in World Cup playoff
Nigeria Football Federation have formally lodged a protest against DR Congo at FIFA for fielding an unqualified players during the 2026 World Cup playoff in Morocco.
The Super Eagles hopes of securing a slot at the global showpiece dashed after losing on penalties to the Leopards in finals of the African playoff held in the North African nation in November.
Having triumphed in the African playoff, DR Congo will compete in the intercontinental playoff scheduled for March 2026 for a slot at the mundial next year.
But the Leopards now risk losing their intercontinental playoff slot following Nigeria’s protest regarding the eligibility of several players.
The West Africa football heavyweights have raised concerns about the eligibly of six players, who may not have fully completed their nationality switch process under Congolese law, which forbids dual citizenship. Besides, Concerns were raised about players holding European passports and being over 21.
Now, the Super Eagles hopes of reaching the 2026 global showpiece has been revived, with the Nigerian Football Federation formally submitting a protest against DR Congo’s qualification to the intercontinental playoff next year.
“We’re waiting… the rules are very clear, and we have submitted our petition.” He added that FIFA cleared the players based on documents provided, but Nigeria believes “FIFA was deceived… it was fraudulent” the NFF Secretary General Mohammed Sanusi revealed.
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles are gearing up for the 2025 African Cup of Nations tournament to be staged in Morocco between December 2025 and January 2026.
