Nigeria hope to qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup don get fresh boost as Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirm say e don start investigation into DR Congo alleged use of ineligible players during African play-offs.
DR Congo knock Nigeria out of di qualifiers for November after dem win Super Eagles 4–3 for penalty shoot-out for Morocco, result wey end Nigeria chance to move go FIFA intercontinental play-off.
After dat match, FIFA give DR Congo automatic ticket enter di final of di intercontinental play-off, where dem suppose face winner of di semi-final between New Caledonia and Jamaica.
But dat chance fit now dey under threat as NFF raise concern over eligibility of some players wey DR Congo use during di African play-offs.
According to reports, between six and nine players wey change nationality to represent DR Congo no fully follow di country law before dem play. DR Congo constitution no allow dual citizenship.
Even though FIFA reportedly clear di players because dem get valid DR Congo passports, allegation dey say dem no officially renounce dia former citizenships, wey dey against di country law.
One NFF executive board member confirm say federation don submit all necessary documents to FIFA.
“NFF don do di needful. DR Congo constitution no allow dual citizenship, and about six to nine players get dat status during di play-off. Na di loophole we dey look,” di official tok.
NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, also confirm say di federation don challenge di player switch.
“We dey wait. Congo rules say you no fit hold two citizenships. Some players get French, Dutch and other European passports,” Sanusi tok. “Rules clear well, and we don submit our petition.”
Sanusi explain say while FIFA rules allow player to represent country once e get passport, FIFA fit don dey misled during di clearance process.
“Our concern be say FIFA dem deceive. FIFA no dey enforce domestic law, but di process wey dem use clear di players no correct,” e add.
Di development don revive Nigeria hope to qualify for di World Cup after missing di 2022 edition for Qatar.
DR Congo don only play World Cup once, back for 1974, when dem still dey known as Zaire.
