Nigeria’s World Cup protest: DR Congo put behind-the-scene pressure on FIFA

DR Congo are reportedly pulling their weight in high places to convince FIFA to rule in their favour regarding Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualification case, Afrik-Foot understands.

Nigeria are waiting for a crucial ruling from FIFA after submitting a protest against DR Congo national football team over the use of players they say were not eligible during last year’s World Cup play-offs.

The Super Eagles lost that tie on penalties in Morocco, a defeat that appeared to end their dream of reaching the 2026 tournament. But the Nigeria Football Federation believes the story is not over.

BREAKING NEWS: FIFA is set to deliver a crucial ruling on Monday, February 16, regarding Nigeria’s 🇳🇬eligibility protest against DR Congo , with the Super Eagles’ hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup hanging in the balance. pic.twitter.com/nf4fSDAX4Q

— Nigeria Stories (@NigeriaStories) February 14, 2026

Their complaint argues that several Congolese players did not properly complete nationality-switch rules before representing the country. Under FIFA regulations, a player can only change international allegiance once and only with full approval.

Nigeria’s officials insist they have strong documents to support their case and say they would not have taken the matter this far without solid proof.

If FIFA rules in Nigeria’s favour, the Super Eagles could be placed back into the intercontinental play-offs in Mexico, just one step away from the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup.

But as the decision draws closer, fresh reports suggest DR Congo are fighting just as hard off the field.

Nigeria vs DR Congo: FIFA under political pressure

Sources close to African football circles claim that powerful figures linked to Congo have been lobbying inside football’s corridors of influence.

At the centre of the talk is CAF secretary general Véron Mosengo-Omba, a Swiss-Congolese football administrator with strong connections across global football and links to FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

While no wrongdoing has been proven, the timing of the lobbying has raised eyebrows, especially with the verdict so close.

The Congolese Football Federation strongly denies any rules were broken and maintains that all players were properly cleared before the matches.

FIFA, aware of how explosive eligibility cases can become, is reportedly handling the file with extreme caution. Both countries are said to be ready to take the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport if the ruling goes against them.

Nigeria’s argument also touches on Congo’s domestic law, which does not allow dual citizenship, a detail they believe may have been overlooked when players were approved.

With African football politics never far from controversy and bodies like Confederation of African Football watching closely, the outcome could reshape eligibility rules far beyond this single case.

Nigeria last appeared at the World Cup in 2018 after missing the 2022 edition in Qatar. Meanwhile, DR Congo are aiming to return to the World Cup after their first and last appearance in the 1970s.