DR Congo slams Nigeria Football Federation over FIFA petition

Director of Football for DR Congo, Hérita Ilunga, has hit back at the Nigeria Football Federation for petitioning the world football governing body (FIFA) over the alleged fielding of ineligible players in the CAF World Cup playoffs.

Nigeria revived their World Cup qualification hopes after filing a formal protest against the Leopards, who emerged as the winners in the African playoff last month.

The West African football heavyweight raised concerns about the eligibly of six players, whose nationality switch could not fully meet the Congolese law and FIFA Eligibility rules.

Confirming protest against DR Congo, the General Secretary of the NFF said, “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”

In response, DR Congo accused the Nigeria football governing body of seeking qualification through the “back door.

“FIFA does not reason in terms of legal nationality but rather in terms of sporting nationality. If that is the case, I advise you, dear Naija brothers, to focus more on the AFCON.”

“If you can’t win on the pitch, don’t try to win from the back door. The World Cup has to be played with dignity and confidence. Not with lawyers’ tricks. Bring it” said Hérita Ilunga.

Pending FIFA ruling, DR Congo remains eligible to compete in the intercontinental playoff scheduled for March 2026. The Leopards are just one win away from securing a spot at the global showpiece.