Former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani has issued a strong warning to Nigeria regarding the ongoing controversy surrounding the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DR Congo) participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Sani cautioned that attempts to disqualify DR Congo on technical grounds, following Nigeria’s elimination in the African qualifiers, could lead to serious diplomatic repercussions, especially involving the United States and President Donald Trump.
Missed Opportunity on the Pitch
Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup were dashed after a dramatic playoff match in which DR Congo defeated the Super Eagles 4–3 on penalties. The CAF playoff final took place in Morocco on November 16, 2025, and the victory secured DR Congo a place in the March 2026 inter-confederation playoffs. They also received a bye to face the winner of the New Caledonia versus Jamaica match in the final playoff stage.
NFF Challenges DR Congo’s Eligibility
Following the defeat, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) submitted a formal petition to FIFA, alleging that up to nine DR Congo players were ineligible to participate. The NFF argued that many of these players, who previously represented European countries, had not formally renounced their prior citizenships, in violation of DR Congo’s constitution, which prohibits dual nationality.
Players Named in the Dispute
Among the players at the center of the dispute are Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe. NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, stated that FIFA initially cleared these players based on valid Congolese passports, but the federation now questions whether fraudulent documentation may have been involved in the process, potentially affecting their eligibility.
DR Congo Responds Firmly
DR Congo’s football governing body, FECOFA, strongly rejected Nigeria’s claims, insisting that all players were properly cleared by FIFA. FECOFA accused Nigeria of attempting to qualify “through the back door” using legal technicalities rather than winning matches on the pitch. The federation further shared official FIFA Change of Association documents to support their stance and refute allegations of any wrongdoing.
Shehu Sani Issues Caution
Reacting to the situation on his official X account on December 18, 2025, Shehu Sani acknowledged Nigeria’s frustration but warned against pursuing a disqualification strategy. He stated: “After failing to qualify for FIFA World Cup, it’s a fact that Nigeria is fishing for evidence to disqualify DRC. We failed to qualify on the pitch, we want to qualify with technical fault. The way Mr Trump loves the President of DRC and their recent minerals deals, if we go ahead to trigger the removal of the DRC, I hope our players go get visa.”
U.S. Visa Concerns and Political Implications
Sani’s comments about visas are particularly relevant given that the 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Nigerian players would need U.S. visas to participate in matches held on American soil. His remarks also highlight the geopolitical dimension of the situation, referencing President Trump’s reported close relationship with DR Congo President Félix Tshisekedi. The warning draws attention to recent U.S.–DR Congo engagements related to regional stability and strategic access to minerals such as cobalt, copper, and lithium, suggesting that any attempt to challenge DR Congo’s qualification could inadvertently affect diplomatic and logistical arrangements for Nigerian players.
Potential Consequences of a Technical Disqualification
Shehu Sani emphasized that relying on legal or technical arguments rather than performance on the pitch could set a dangerous precedent, both for Nigerian football and for the country’s international relations. He urged the NFF and government officials to weigh the broader implications of their actions carefully, reminding them that football is intertwined with diplomacy, global perception, and the welfare of the athletes themselves. By attempting to overturn results through technicalities, Nigeria risks not only public criticism but also potential complications in securing visas, participating in matches, and maintaining amicable relations with influential international partners, particularly the United States.
Public Reaction and Social Media Discussion
The unfolding dispute has generated significant discussion online, with Nigerian football fans expressing mixed views. Some criticized the NFF for “searching for loopholes” instead of improving performance on the pitch, while others supported the federation’s efforts to explore all legal options to safeguard Nigeria’s World Cup ambitions. Shehu Sani’s intervention added a layer of cautionary perspective, warning that sports decisions can have far-reaching consequences beyond national borders and athletic achievement.