World Cup lifeline for Super Eagles? FIFA opens investigation against DR Congo
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Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 15.12.25. | 22:05
According to sources from Nigeria, the Leopards included ineligible player(s) in their squad and now face a potential severe penalty and elimination from the World Cup inter-confederational playoffs, thus opening the door for Victor Osimhen and Co.
The situation in African football shows no signs of calming down.
While the 24 qualified teams are preparing for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off next Sunday, a new potential scandal has suddenly emerged, as sources from Nigeria claim that DR Congo are under a FIFA investigation and face a potential ban from the 2026 FIFA World Cup inter-confederational playoffs!
🇳🇬💣 Per multiple reports, FIFA has opened a serious investigation into DR Congo over alleged document falsification for an ineligible player.
— TalkFooty (@TalkFootyFC) December 15, 2025
If confirmed, the Super Eagles beaten by DR Congo in the FIFA World Cup playoffs, could take the continental spot in Mexico next year. pic.twitter.com/9FKA1k9Hya
Namely, according to OwnGoal Nigeria, the six players who switched their nationalities to represent the Leopards haven't properly completed the procedure and thus didn't have the right to play for DR Congo.
The source asserts that individuals who acquire Congolese citizenship are obliged to relinquish the other ones they hold, while dual nationality is permitted only to those under 21. Several Leopards' players allegedly did not follow the rule mentioned above, as the Nigerians even brought up a "falsification of documents for a particular player."
If FIFA indeed opens an investigation and finds DR Congo guilty, they would be banned not only from the inter-confederational playoffs but also from international football for a while. However, the mini-tournament scheduled for March is the one the Super Eagles are most interested in, as they would take the Leopards' place, having lost the African playoffs final to Sebastien Desabre's crew.
Still, it's too early to tell how this story is going to unfold and answer the question whether DR Congo's actions have truly been "shady" or the Nigerians are just trying to revive their World Cup hopes after a disappointing qualifying campaign.
