KEY POINTS
- FIFA marks 100 days to World Cup but ignores Nigeria’s DR Congo petition.
- NFF alleges DR Congo fielded six ineligible dual-nationality players in playoff.
- A ruling in Nigeria’s favour could send Super Eagles to intercontinental playoffs.
The world football governing body launched its official 100-day countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a post on its X account, calling the tournament “the biggest-ever” and reminding the world that 48 teams and 104 games await between June 11 and July 19. It was the kind of celebratory messaging FIFA does well. What it did not do was say a single word about the Nigeria Football Federation’s pending eligibility complaint against DR Congo. That silence landed loudly in Nigeria.
The NFF filed a formal petition with FIFA in December 2025, alleging that DR Congo fielded ineligible players during the African playoff final in November, a match the Leopards won 4-3 on penalties to book a place in the intercontinental playoffs. Semi Ajayi missed the decisive kick at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, and DR Congo proceeded to the intercontinental playoff in Mexico. Shell
What Nigeria Is Alleging
The NFF claims that as many as six DR Congo players who featured in the playoff final were ineligible, with the core argument resting on DR Congo’s constitution, which reportedly prohibits dual citizenship. Among the players Nigeria specifically named are Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe, both of whom represented England at youth level before switching international allegiance to DR Congo. Nigeria argues the clearance process for these players contained irregularities and that DR Congo may have submitted incomplete documentation when seeking approval for their participation.
DR Congo has also pushed back firmly, maintaining that FIFA’s rules on sporting nationality, not domestic citizenship laws, govern player eligibility.
A Ruling That Could Change Everything
If FIFA rules in Nigeria’s favour, DR Congo’s disqualification would open the door for the Super Eagles to take their place in the intercontinental playoff, where they would face the winner of a match between New Caledonia and Jamaica, with a World Cup berth at stake.
African football expert Mamadou Gaye urged Nigerian fans to stay calm, pointing to a precedent worth noting. South Africa had points deducted during the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign after FIFA ruled that Bafana Bafana fielded an ineligible player, a decision that came late in the process. “We should wait for FIFA to make the decision,” Gaye said. “Nigeria should remain calm and also prepared.”
DR Congo’s intercontinental playoff sits weeks away. FIFA has confirmed the matter is under review but has not indicated when it will rule. Jamaica, one of the potential playoff opponents, has already expressed discomfort with the uncertainty. The Super Eagles and their supporters can only watch the clock run down.
