Congo put Nigeria in their place over player eligibility claims

18 Dec 2025, 09:21 by KO Journalist · KickOff

2026 FIFA World Cup hopefuls DR Congo have reportedly responded to Nigeria's accusations of fielding ineligible players in their CAF playoff final.

Nigeria failed to qualify automatically for the World Cup after finishing second in Group C of the African qualifying campaign, with South Africa topping the group.

READ: Sundowns veteran receives AFCON call-up

However, the Super Eagles still had a route to qualification after advancing to the CAF Playoffs as one of the four best second-placed teams across the groups.

But they were unable to capitalise on that opportunity, losing to Congo in the playoff final. As a result, the Leopards will represent Africa in the six-team intercontinental playoff scheduled for March 2026.

Following the defeat, Nigeria are alleged to have accused DR Congo of fielding ineligible players, seemingly conceding their failure to reach the global showpiece.

Players including Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku, and Noah Sadiki, all of whom have previously been linked with other national teams, were cited by Nigeria, who believe they should not have featured in the match.

The Nigeria Football Federation is reported to have lodged a formal complaint with FIFA, despite the players having been cleared by the world governing body to represent Congo.

In response, the Leopards dismissed the allegations, insisting that football matches are decided on the pitch, not through backdoor tactics.

READ | Nigeria swing back into World Cup spot chase

"If you can't win on the pitch, don't try to win from the back door," Congo posted on X, per The Sun.

"The World Cup must be played with dignity and confidence, not with legal tricks. Bring it on."

DR Congo will join five other teams, one each from CONMEBOL, OFC and AFC, plus two from CONCACAF, in the intercontinental playoffs, with only two of the six securing places at the expanded 48-team World Cup.

Congo put Nigeria in their place over player eligibility claims

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