2026 World Cup: DR Congo Makes Late Move to Upset FIFA Verdict Against Nigeria
- The Democratic Republic of Congo is reportedly making a late push to gain a favourable verdict from FIFA
- The body is expected to deliver a verdict on DR Congo’s dual national players’ ineligibility on February 16
- A Nigerian journalist warned fans to lower their expectations and explained why the verdict could be negative
The Democratic Republic of Congo has reportedly made a late move ahead of FIFA’s verdict on Nigeria's 2026 World Cup petition.
DR Congo defeated the Super Eagles 4-3 on penalties in the African playoff final on November 16, 2025, to qualify for the intercontinental playoffs.
Source: Twitter
The Leopards qualified for the intercontinental playoffs as a seeded team and will face the winner of the semi-final tie between Jamaica and New Caledonia.
However, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has kicked against DR Congo’s slot, submitting a petition to FIFA to kick the Central Africans out.
The NFF alleged that DR Congo fielded ineligible players during the match, despite FIFA initially clearing the players after applying for a nationality switch.
The NFF argued that the Federation of Congolese Football Associations (FECOFA) deceived FIFA into approving the switches, including Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
The players who were eligible for other countries, including England and France, did not relinquish their other passports, as dictated by the Congolese constitution.
The NFF submitted the petition on December 15, and a verdict from the world football governing body is expected on February 16, according to Score Nigeria.
DR Congo makes late move against petition
According to Sports 247, the Congolese authorities are making a final approach to receive a favourable verdict from FIFA ahead of the decision.
DR Congo is trying to use the influence of CAF Secretary General Véron Mosengo-Omba, who is Congolese, to lobby at FIFA and receive a favourable verdict.
The NFF is confident that it has a valid case and would receive positive news to keep the Super Eagles’ 2026 FIFA World Cup hopes alive.
Nigeria started the qualifying campaign poorly, picking up three points from the opening four matches under managers Jose Peseiro and Finidi George.
NFF appointed Eric Chelle, who turned the campaign around, winning 14 points from a possible 18 in the final six matches to qualify for the playoffs.
The Super Eagles failed to capitalise on FIFA's sanction on South Africa after Bafana Bafana were docked three points for fielding the ineligible Teboho Mokoena.
Source: Twitter
Eritrea’s withdrawal from the qualifiers also helped Nigeria’s cause, with CAF deducting the points gained from all the bottom-placed teams before deciding the playoff spot.
The Super Eagles edged Benin on head-to-head and pipped Burkina Faso on goal difference to reach the playoff spot, but yet again fluffed it by losing to DR Congo.
If FIFA rules in favour of Nigeria and the Super Eagles qualify for the 2026 World Cup, it would be a campaign backed by off-pitch decisions rather than on-pitch football.
An anonymous Nigerian journalist has warned the fans to manage their expectations and explained why the verdict from the football body may come as otherwise expected.
“I hope Nigerians are emotionally ready to accept whatever decision comes and not think FIFA is breaking their own rule, because it may not go as some journalists are hyping it up like they know what exactly will happen,” he told Legit.ng.
“The biggest point of concern is the precedent and long-term implications that the verdict will set. It will be a turning point in how countries can convince players of multiple nationalities.”
NFF issues update ahead of FIFA verdict
Legit.ng reported that the NFF had issued an update on the case against DR Congo as FIFA prepares to announce its verdict in the coming days.
The NFF, through its General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, stated that the federation remained positive and was looking to the final decision.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
