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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.
Manchester City have named Ruben Dias as their new captain, with Erling Haaland, Marc Guehi and Gianluigi Donnarumma also included in the club’s leadership group.
Dias takes over from Bernardo Silva, who left City during the summer. The Portugal defender will lead the team, while Haaland, Guehi and Donnarumma will take on additional leadership responsibilities as City continue life under new manager, Enzo Maresca.
The announcement was made by coach Maresca earlier today, September 4, with the four players chosen for their experience and influence within the squad. Maresca previously named Enzo Fernandez as captain during their time together at Chelsea, but Dias will now wear the armband at the Etihad Stadium.
Maresca also spoke about Fernandez’s arrival at City after the Argentina international completed a joint-British record £125 million move from Chelsea on deadline day. He said several City players were keen to see the midfielder join the club because of his winning mentality and experience.
“I know Enzo quite well and I know what he can bring to the team,” Maresca said. “He is a winner, a winner’s mentality and knows how to win [after] the World Cup, Club World Cup.”
The manager added: “I can promise you that in the last four or five days four or five players from the squad were asking if he is coming or not because they want him to be with us.”
Fernandez could make his City debut against newly promoted Coventry City at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday. His transfer formed part of City’s record £458 million spending spree, which also included Elliot Anderson and Ayyoub Bouaddi.
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso said the club had handled Fernandez’s departure respectfully and was now focused on moving forward.
“In football many things happen. With Enzo we have had conversations and always with respect. What he has done for the club has been great, but now it’s time to move forward,” Alonso said.
Galatasaray manager, Okan Buruk, has provided the latest injury update on two of his players, Victor Osimhen and Mario Lemina.
Speaking to beIN Sports after Galatasaray defeated Başakşehir 3-2 in the Turkish Super Lig encounter on Friday, Buruk said Lemina and Osimhen sustained a groin injury.
According to him, both players will need to do MRIs, and hopefully, they can be ready for the upcoming Champions League match.
“Lemina had a slight groin pain in training yesterday. Osimhen also felt it today,” Buruk said.
Ex- Sierra Leone international Michael Lahoud has placed Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen among the best three forwards currently playing in Europe.
Lahoud made the assessment while discussing Galatasaray’s prospects in the UEFA Champions League, expressing confidence that the Turkish giants have enough attacking quality to make a strong impression in the competition.
According to the former midfielder, Osimhen’s goalscoring ability, combined with the arrival of Portuguese star Rafael Leao, gives Galatasaray a major attacking advantage as they prepare for their Champions League campaign.
Lahoud argued that Osimhen belongs in the same conversation as some of the biggest names in world football, including England captain Harry Kane and France superstar Kylian Mbappe.
“Galatasaray has arguably the best striker in Europe right now alongside Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe and Victor Osimhen,” Lahoud said on the CBS Sports Golazo Network.
Lahoud Backs Galatasaray for Champions League Success
The former Sierra Leone international believes Galatasaray’s attacking options could make them one of the teams to watch during the Champions League league phase.
He particularly highlighted the combination of Osimhen and Leao, describing the Portuguese winger as a potential game-changer for the Turkish club.
Lahoud said the presence of Leao could provide Galatasaray with an additional attacking dimension, particularly in matches against some of Europe’s established clubs.
“I stand on business when I say that the numbers don’t lie when it comes to the Champions League. But the fact that Galatasaray have Rafael Leao, I think that becomes a real X factor,” he stated.
Lahoud went as far as predicting that Galatasaray would finish among the top eight teams at the end of the Champions League league phase.
“Galatasaray will finish the Champions League league phase in the top eight this season,” he added.
Osimhen Remains Key to Galatasaray’s Ambitions
Osimhen is expected to play a central role in Galatasaray’s ambitions both domestically and in Europe, with the Nigerian forward having established himself as one of the most dangerous strikers in European football.
His pace, physical strength, movement and ability to score from different situations have made him a major attacking threat, while his Champions League experience is also expected to be valuable to the Turkish champions.
With Leao now providing another major attacking option, Galatasaray will hope their star-studded forward line can help them compete against Europe’s elite.
Lahoud’s prediction will also raise expectations around Osimhen, particularly among Nigerian football fans who will be hoping the Super Eagles striker can continue to deliver at the highest level on the European stage.
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