Nigeria’s hopes of returning to the 2026 FIFA World Cup may yet be revived as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) reportedly faces a FIFA investigation over alleged nationality irregularities involving some of their players.
DR Congo defeated the Super Eagles of Nigeria on penalties in the African World Cup qualifiers playoff, earning the continent’s spot in the intercontinental playoff for a place at the 2026 World Cup. However, fresh reports suggest that the outcome of that playoff could still change.
According to OwnGoalNigeria, FIFA has opened an investigation into allegations that several DR Congo players may not have completed the required nationality-switching process before representing the country.
The report claims that as many as six players who featured for DR Congo allegedly switched nationality without fully complying with Congolese citizenship laws, which do not generally recognise dual nationality. Under the country’s legal framework, citizens who acquire another nationality are expected to renounce one, except in limited cases involving citizenship by birth abroad, which must be resolved by the age of 21.
It is further alleged that some of the players involved are over the age limit and still hold passports of other countries, potentially making them ineligible under FIFA regulations. FIFA rules state that possession of a passport alone is not sufficient to determine a player’s eligibility to represent a national team.
The investigation is also said to include allegations of document irregularities involving one unnamed player who had previously declined a call-up to the DR Congo national team.
Should DR Congo be found guilty of any violations, they could face sanctions ranging from expulsion from the intercontinental playoff to temporary suspension from international football. In such a scenario, Nigeria — whom they defeated in the playoff final — could be reinstated to take their place in the intercontinental qualifiers scheduled to take place in Mexico next year.
As of now, FIFA has not released an official statement, and all parties await the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
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