Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have reportedly received a major boost following claims that DR Congo could be disqualified for fielding ineligible players.
In November, DR Congo defeated the Super Eagles on penalties to clinch Africa’s spot in the Intercontinental Playoffs for a place at the 2026 World Cup. However, fresh reports indicate the Central African nation may now be facing FIFA sanctions ahead of the playoffs scheduled for March 2026.
According to multiple reports, six DR Congo players who switched national allegiance allegedly failed to complete the mandatory eligibility process. It is claimed the players did not formally renounce their previous nationalities — a critical requirement, as DR Congo does not recognise dual citizenship.
Further allegations suggest that several players who featured in the decisive playoff match were over the age of 21, yet continued to hold foreign passports, potentially violating FIFA eligibility regulations.
“The chances of the petition against DR Congo succeeding are even stronger than when South Africa were docked three points and three goals for fielding an ineligible player against Lesotho,” SCORENigeria reported.
The report added:
“A petition has been submitted against DR Congo concerning the eligibility of several players who featured in the World Cup Playoffs in Morocco. There is still hope for the Super Eagles, provided the Intercontinental Playoffs in Mexico have not been played.”
If upheld, the petition could dramatically reshape Africa’s qualification picture and reignite Nigeria’s World Cup ambitions, offering the Super Eagles a renewed pathway to the 2026 global showpiece.
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