The Democratic Republic of Congo has responded to Nigeria’s petition to FIFA over alleged use of ineligible players, insisting the Super Eagles’ World Cup dream is over and urging them to focus on the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations instead, Footynaija.com reports.
Nigeria’s hopes were reignited earlier this week after the NFF officially petitioned FIFA, questioning the eligibility of several DR Congo players who featured in the playoff that ended the Super Eagles’ 2026 World Cup dream on penalties.
The petition has fuelled talk that Congo’s slot could be reassigned if FIFA rules against them, placing the Super Eagles back in contention through administrative means.
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That possibility has clearly struck a nerve in Kinshasa, with DR Congo officials now publicly dismissing Nigeria’s complaint as a desperate attempt to reverse an outcome that was already decided on the field.
As revealed in a report by This Day Newspaper, The Leopards, via their official Instagram account on Monday night, urged Nigeria to stop seeking a backdoor route into the Intercontinental Playoffs after losing to them on penalties.
Speaking on the controversy, the country’s Director of Football, Hérita Ilunga, dismissed Nigeria’s petition and poured cold water on hopes of a reversal.
“FIFA does not reason in terms of legal nationality but rather in terms of sporting nationality,” Ilunga said. “If that is the case, I advise you, dear Naija brothers, to focus more on the AFCON.”
Ilunga went further, questioning the spirit behind Nigeria’s move to escalate the matter beyond the pitch. “If you cannot win on the pitch, do not try to win from the back door,” he added. “The World Cup has to be played with dignity and confidence. Not with lawyers’ tricks. Bring it.”
For Nigeria, the situation remains unresolved but sensitive. While the NFF has formally lodged its case with FIFA, there’s been no clear timeline or indication of the likely outcome. FIFA is believed to be assessing submissions from both Nigeria and DR Congo, with a decision expected ahead of the 2026 intercontinental playoff window.
Until then, the Super Eagles remain officially out of the World Cup, even as the off-field debate rages on. DR Congo maintains that the matter is settled and insists Nigeria should turn its attention to the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, not legal wrangling.
Whether FIFA agrees will determine if this story ends as a footnote of frustration or one of the most dramatic reversals in Nigeria’s World Cup history. For now, Congo have spoken, and they sound unmoved.
