DR Congo Eligibility Dispute: FIFA silence leaves Eagles’ W’Cup hopes hanging
Despite a frenzy of social media speculation, yesterday passed without a peep from Zurich, the home of the world soccer ruling body, FIFA. For most part of Monday, Nigerians, tethered
Despite a frenzy of social media speculation, yesterday passed without a peep from Zurich, the home of the world soccer ruling body, FIFA.
For most part of Monday, Nigerians, tethered to their screens in anticipation of a verdict on the Nigeria Football Federation’s protest against Democratic Republic of Congo, were left with nothing but silence.
The NFF has moved quickly to douse the flames of rumours as Director of Communications, Dr. Ademola Olajire, described circulating reports of a FIFA ruling as “false and misleading”, stressing that no official communication has been received.
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At the centre of this legal firestorm are six DR Congo players—notably former England youth internationals Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe. Nigeria’s December 15 petition hinges on two high-stakes arguments: Did the switch of allegiance strictly follow FIFA’s updated statutes and Does DR Congo’s domestic ban on dual nationality invalidates the players' eligibility?
While FECOFA remains defiant, insisting their squad was "cleared and legal," the NFF is betting on a technicality.
While a win in the boardroom would catapult Nigeria back into next month’s intercontinental play-offs in Mexico, facing either Jamaica or New Caledonia for a final ticket to the 2026 World Cup, a loss means the door to the FIFA World Cup 26 to be hosted among USA, Canada and Mexico is shut for good.
