Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been revived following a formal complaint by the Nigeria Football Federation( NFF) over the alleged use of ineligible players by DR Congo.

The NFF has confirmed it has submitted documents to FIFA questioning the eligibility of several DR Congo players who featured in the African play-offs that knocked Nigeria out of the qualifiers.

DR Congo defeated the Super Eagles 4–3 on penalties in November in Morocco, a result that appeared to end Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the tournament to be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

However, that outcome is now under scrutiny. According to the NFF, between six and nine DR Congo players who switched national allegiance may not have completed the legal process required under Congolese law, which does not recognise dual citizenship.

Although FIFA cleared the players on the basis that they held valid DR Congo passports, Nigerian officials argue that the players allegedly failed to formally renounce their previous nationalities— a requirement under the Central African country’s constitution.

An NFF executive board member confirmed that the federation’s lawyers have submitted evidence to FIFA, describing the matter as a “loophole” that could invalidate DR Congo’s participation.

The NFF’s General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, said the federation believes FIFA was misinformed during the clearance process.

“The rules of Congo do not allow dual nationality, our position is that FIFA was deceived into clearing them.” Sanusi said noting that some of the players still held European passports—French, Dutch and others.

He added that while FIFA rules allow eligibility once a player holds a valid passport, it is not FIFA’s responsibility to enforce domestic citizenship law— making the accuracy of submitted documents critical.

DR Congo have since been handed a bye into the final of the FIFA intercontinental play-off, where they are due to face the winner of the semi-final between New Caledonia and Jamaica.

If FIFA upholds Nigeria’s petition, DR Congo’s place at that stage— and Nigeria’s elimination— could be overturned.

For Nigeria, the stakes are high. The Super Eagles have not appeared at a World Cup since 2018 and failed to qualify for Qatar 2022, raising fears of missing back-to-back tournaments for the first time in the country’s history.