The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has formally submitted a petition to FIFA, alleging that the DR Congo fielded ineligible players during the FIFA World Cup Playoffs Final against Nigeria.
The development has reignited hope across Nigeria, as the petition if upheld could reopen Nigeria’s path to qualification for the FIFA World Cup.
According to the NFF, the complaint centers on claims that up to six players in the DRC squad failed to meet FIFA’s eligibility requirements regarding a change of nationality.
The Federation also points to provisions in the DRC Constitution, which reportedly prohibit dual citizenship.
Despite this, several players in the Congolese squad are said to possess French and other European passports.
Confirming the petition on Tuesday, NFF General Secretary, Dr. Sanusi Mohammed, told the media that Nigeria has officially laid its case before FIFA.
“We’re waiting. The Congolese rules say you cannot have a dual citizenship or nationality. Aaron Wan-Bissaka has a European passport; some of them have French passports, some of them Dutch passports. The rules are very clear, and we have submitted our petition,” he said.
Dr. Sanusi further explained that while FIFA initially cleared the players, Nigeria believes that approval was based on incomplete or misleading information.
“That’s why FIFA cleared them,” he added. “FIFA rules say once you have passports in your country, you’re eligible. 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. What we are saying is that it was fraudulent.”
FIFA has since confirmed that it is investigating the matter.
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Should Nigeria’s petition be upheld, it is unclear if the Super Eagles advances to the Intercontinental Playoffs in March with Cameroun also likely to profit off the situation.
For millions of Nigerians still hurting from the disappointment of missing out on qualification, this petition represents more than a legal argument it is a fragile but powerful return of hope.
