DR Congo lists players central to Nigeria's FIFA eligibility petition

The Democratic Republic of Congo has named the players at the heart of Nigeria's ongoing FIFA complaint over eligibility in the CAF World Cup playoffs, according to a March 13, 2026, ThisDayLive report. This response comes amid Nigeria's challenge to Congo's 4-3 penalty win in November 2025.

In the latest development in the Nigeria-DR Congo player eligibility dispute, the Democratic Republic of Congo has provided FIFA with a list of players targeted by Nigeria's petition. The move, reported by ThisDayLive on March 13, 2026, aims to address allegations of fraudulent nationality switches.

Background: Nigeria lost to DR Congo in the CAF Africa intercontinental playoff final in Morocco on November 16, 2025 (1-1 draw, 4-3 on penalties), securing Congo's advancement toward World Cup playoffs. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) filed a formal complaint accusing Congo of fielding ineligible players with European passports, violating Congo's no-dual-citizenship laws. Named suspects include Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, and Arthur Masuaku.

DR Congo's federation previously dismissed the claims as 'sour grapes.' Now, by listing the players, they appear to be cooperating to clarify the matter ahead of intercontinental playoffs in Mexico against the New Caledonia-Jamaica winner. FIFA has not ruled yet; outcomes could range from dismissal to forfeiture or fines, per past precedents.

This step may expedite resolution as DR Congo eyes Group K with Portugal, Uzbekistan, and Colombia.

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Dramatic illustration of Nigerian officials filing a FIFA complaint against DR Congo over ineligible players, threatening World Cup qualification.
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Nigeria petitions FIFA over DR Congo player eligibility

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Nigeria's football federation has filed a complaint with FIFA alleging that DR Congo fielded ineligible players in their recent CAF playoff final. The petition claims fraud in the nationality changes of several players, threatening DR Congo's World Cup qualification hopes. DR Congo has dismissed the challenge as sour grapes from a bad loser.

In a final ruling on December 26, FIFA dismissed Nigeria's appeal challenging DR Congo players' eligibility in their 2026 World Cup qualifying playoff, confirming DR Congo's penalty shootout victory and advancement to intercontinental playoffs. This follows an initial dismissal reported earlier, ending Nigeria's qualification hopes.

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Nigeria's football authorities remain hopeful for a favorable ruling from FIFA on a petition challenging DR Congo's eligibility in the 2026 World Cup intercontinental playoffs, despite the Congolese team being listed among participants. The dispute stems from Nigeria's penalty shootout loss to DR Congo in November 2025, with allegations of six ineligible players fielded by the opponents. While officials urge calm, critics and fans express skepticism over the prolonged silence from FIFA.

The draw for the FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cup 2026 African Qualifiers took place in Rabat, Morocco, on Saturday, setting the stage for 31 teams vying for four spots in the finals. Assisted by Jacqueline Shipanga, the event outlined three knockout rounds with two-legged ties. Nigeria advances directly to the second round, while other matchups begin in April.

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As the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) 2025 approaches in Morocco, Fifa has postponed the release of overseas-based players to December 15, leaving national teams with limited preparation time. Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has voiced strong disapproval, calling it disrespectful to the tournament. This decision exacerbates long-standing tensions between European clubs and African national teams.

Morocco began the defense of Ivory Coast's Africa Cup of Nations title with a 2-0 win over Comoros in the tournament's opening match on December 21, 2025, in Rabat. Mali and Zambia played to a 1-1 draw the following day in Casablanca, setting the stage for further group stage action across Morocco's host cities. The 24-team competition runs until January 18, 2026, featuring stars like Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.

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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) President, Dr. Patrice Motsepe, announced that the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will occur every four years starting from 2028 to address ongoing scheduling clashes with European club competitions. CAF also unveiled the African Nations League, featuring four regional zones with matches during FIFA international windows. The announcement holds special relevance for Kenya, which is preparing to co-host the 2027 edition with Uganda and Tanzania, marking the last tournament under the traditional biennial cycle.

 

 

 

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