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Nigeria’s World Cup hopes revived as DR Congo face eligibility investigation
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Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup may not be over yet, following a formal complaint lodged against the Democratic Republic of Congo over the alleged use of ineligible players during the qualifiers.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that it has taken the matter to FIFA, raising concerns about DR Congo’s squad during the African play-offs, a development that could potentially reopen the Super Eagles’ path to the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Nigeria were knocked out of the African play-offs in November after losing 4–3 on penalties to DR Congo in Morocco, a painful defeat that appeared to end the Super Eagles’ World Cup dream. The Congolese side went on to secure a direct spot in the final of the intercontinental play-off, where they are expected to face the winner of the semi-final clash between New Caledonia and Jamaica.
However, that place is now under scrutiny.
According to the NFF, between six and nine DR Congo players who switched international allegiance may not have fully met the country’s eligibility requirements before representing the national team. Although FIFA reportedly cleared the players because they held valid DR Congo passports, the federation argues that the players failed to renounce their previous citizenships — a requirement under Congolese law, which does not recognise dual nationality.
A senior NFF executive confirmed that the federation has taken the necessary steps, saying, “The NFF has done the needful.”
Speaking further, the official explained that the issue lies in DR Congo’s constitution. “Their laws do not permit dual citizenship, and several players had that status during the play-offs. That is the loophole we are examining. Our lawyers have submitted all relevant documents to FIFA,” he said.
NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, also confirmed the petition, stressing that the federation is awaiting FIFA’s response.
“The Congolese rules clearly state that dual citizenship is not allowed,” Sanusi said. “Some of the players involved hold European passports — French, Dutch, and others. We have formally submitted our complaint.”
He added that while FIFA’s regulations allow players to represent a country once they possess a valid passport, the world football body may have been misled.
“FIFA acts based on the documents presented to it; it is not responsible for enforcing domestic laws,” Sanusi explained. “Our concern is that FIFA was deceived into clearing these players. The process, in our view, was fraudulent.”
The unfolding situation has reignited hope among Nigerian football fans, especially after the country missed out on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and appeared set to miss a second consecutive tournament.
DR Congo, for their part, have qualified for the FIFA World Cup only once in 1974, when the country competed under the name Zaire.
Arsenal are exploring a deal to sign winger Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge.
According to The Athletic, a move for Tzolis would not impact the Gunners’ interest in Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers or an alternative target.
The club’s sporting director, Andrea Bertea, continues to work in the market to strengthen their attack.
Sources believe a deal for Tzolis could be possible for around €40million.
The 24-year-old scored 43 goals for Club Brugge across two seasons, having found the net 23 times for Fortuna Dusseldorf in 2. Bundesliga in 2023-24.
Arsenal are looking to bring in a new left winger, and have inquired about Juventus’ 21-year-old Turkey international Kenan Yildiz.
Ghana have suffered a major setback ahead of their opening match at the 2026 World Cup after midfielder Thomas Partey was reportedly denied entry into Canada.
Partey will be unavailable to play in Ghana opening match against Panama in Canada on June 17, access denied.
The Black Stars are scheduled to face Panama on Wednesday in their first Group game at the BMO Field in Toronto.
However, Partey will not be available for the encounter after being unable to travel to Canada, according to The Athletic.
The development comes as a major blow to Ghana’s preparations, with the former Arsenal midfielder expected to play a key role in the team’s campaign.
Partey’s absence means Ghana will have to make changes to its midfield plans for the match against Panama.
The reason for the entry denial was not officially stated by Ghanaian football authorities, but the Canadian government website states that “if you have committed or been convicted of a crime, you may not be allowed into Canada.”
Partey was recently charged with sexual assault, but he is awaiting trial and has not been convicted.
The former Arsenal star has denied the charges.
His unavailability leaves Ghana without one of their most experienced players as they begin their World Cup campaign in Toronto.
Ghana will be hoping to begin their campaign on a strong note despite Partey’s absence.
The Black Stars are among the African teams expected to make an impact at the tournament, but the latest development has added pressure on the coaching crew ahead of the opener.
The team will now have to rely on other midfield options to fill the gap left by Partey as they seek victory against Panama.
Co-hosts Mexico kicked off the 2026 World Cup against South Africa in Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca on Thursday.
Mexico’s forward #16 Julian Quinones celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the 2026 World Cup Group A football match between Mexico and South Africa at the Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City on June 11, 2026.
Co-hosts Mexico kicked off the 2026 World Cup against South Africa in Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca on Thursday.
The 29-year-old struck in the ninth minute, his powerful shot going between the legs of the South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams to send the 80,000 spectators wild.
Mexico’s forward Julian Quinones celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the 2026 World Cup Group A football match between Mexico and South Africa at the Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City on June 11, 2026.
It was the earliest first goal at a World Cup since 2006, when Philipp Lahm netted for Germany against Costa Rica after six minutes.
The South Africa players have been exchanging some short passes, trying to open up the opposition’s defence and hit them swiftly on the break, but the co-hosts have been dominant so far.
South Africa’s forward Iqraam Rayners and Mexico’s defender Johan Vasquez fight for the ball during the 2026 World Cup Group A football match between Mexico and South Africa at the Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City on June 11, 2026.
Before the kickoff, the 80,000-strong crowd was entertained by Nigerian star Burna Boy, Colombian singer Shakira and a host of performers in an opening ceremony.
More to follow…
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