The Democratic Republic of Congo has issued a sharp warning to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) following Nigeria’s FIFA petition regarding player eligibility during their World Cup qualifying match.
Congo’s Fiery Response
DR Congo’s national team reacted strongly via their official social media account. They accused Nigeria of trying to advance in World Cup qualifiers through administrative tactics rather than athletic performance. The post stated: “If you can’t win on the pitch, don’t try to win from the back door. The World Cup must be played with dignity.”
Nigeria’s Eligibility Challenge
Nigeria formally protested to FIFA after losing to DR Congo on penalties in November. The NFF alleges violations of FIFA eligibility rules. They claim several Congolese players didn’t properly complete nationality-switching processes.
At the dispute’s core is Congo’s non-recognition of dual citizenship. Nigeria contends players with European passports violated regulations. This includes documents from France, Netherlands, and Britain.
NFF Secretary’s Statement
NFF Secretary General Dr. Mohammed Sanusi clarified Nigeria’s position. He stated FIFA initially cleared players based on DR Congo’s documentation. However, Sanusi emphasized concerns about potential misinformation.
“Congolese law prohibits dual nationality,” Sanusi explained. “Players like Wan-Bissaka hold European passports. We’ve submitted evidence showing possible breaches.”
Sanusi stressed the petition aims to ensure FIFA’s integrity. “Our protest isn’t against FIFA’s process. We believe fraudulent information was provided during player clearance,” he added.
About the Author
