The ongoing football drama between Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has taken another turn as the Federation of Congolese Football Associations (FECOFA) fired back at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) following the submission of an official petition to FIFA over the eligibility of several DR Congo players in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup intercontinental playoffs.
The NFF confirmed that it had formally challenged six key Congolese players, including former Manchester United defenders Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe. The Nigerian federation argued that these players failed to renounce their European passports before representing DR Congo at the senior international level, thereby violating FIFA eligibility rules. Nigeria’s objective, according to sources, is to see the Leopards disqualified from the playoffs and for their spot to be handed to the Super Eagles, setting the stage for a high-stakes legal and football showdown.
DR Congo FA issues strong rebuttal
FECOFA responded swiftly via its official X account, rejecting Nigeria’s claims and accusing the Super Eagles of being “bad losers.” In the statement, the Congolese football body claimed that Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup on merit had led them to resort to legal maneuvers rather than focusing on performance on the pitch.
“If you can’t win on the pitch, don’t try to win from the back door. The World Cup has to be played with dignity and confidence. Not with lawyers’ tricks. Bring it on. Allez y les Léopards. Bad losers,” FECOFA stated, making it clear that the DR Congo team intends to defend its playoff spot and dismiss any attempts to overturn results through off-field interventions.
Netizens weigh in
The post generated intense reactions online, particularly among Nigerian football fans and social media commentators. Many questioned the legitimacy of FECOFA’s defense and debated the ethics of fielding potentially ineligible players during such crucial fixtures.
@bagginths commented: “Do you intend to keep fielding ineligible players as you progress all through the group stages? ‘Bring it on’ – do you think you can beat Nigeria in this politics?”
@neo_crystal added: “Inasmuch as I don’t even want the Super Eagles at the World Cup, did you field ineligible players? Why come out to write this rubbish if you aren’t guilty?”
@gbengamendel stated: “Dignity with ineligible players? This route you want to take will eventually finish you people. As fans, we now fully support the course – we do not tolerate loud mouths.”
The online discourse underscores the intensity of the rivalry and the high stakes involved, with both football federations seemingly prepared to take the matter to the highest regulatory authority in world football. FIFA is expected to review the submissions and issue a ruling ahead of the playoffs, which could have significant implications for both national teams as they aim to secure a place in the 2026 World Cup.
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