Nigeria's National Sports Commission chairman Shehu Dikko has described the country's FIFA complaint over DR Congo players' eligibility as 'very tight', stressing its legal basis amid review following the Super Eagles' playoff penalty loss. DR Congo dismisses it as backdoor tactics.
In the ongoing dispute sparked by Nigeria's 4-3 penalty defeat to DR Congo in the November 16 African playoffs for the 2026 World Cup—detailed in our initial coverage—the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) alleges nine players, including Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe, violated DR Congo's no-dual-nationality laws to gain clearances.
NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi reiterated that FIFA was 'deceived' as it doesn't enforce domestic laws, with players reportedly holding European passports obtained hastily.
Shehu Dikko, in an Arise TV interview, bolstered confidence: “Our case is very tight, we’re not sore losers, this is part of the law. There are suspicions that some things have not been done right... They have probably misrepresented their position to FIFA.” He referenced FIFA's recent ruling against Malaysia for passport irregularities, resulting in forfeited matches.
DR Congo's federation labeled the petition 'lawyers’ tricks' by 'bad losers' on Instagram, insisting the World Cup demands dignity. FIFA statutes permit one association switch with a new passport, but conflicts arise with national laws, as in prior cases against South Africa, Equatorial Guinea, and others involving deductions or overturns.
A successful petition could reinstate Nigeria for March's intercontinental playoffs, avoiding a repeat World Cup absence since 2018. Dikko emphasized: “This is not about emotions. It is about the law. If rules have been broken, then justice must be served.” Nigerian fans are debating the issue, hopeful for reversal.
