Overview
- Nigeria’s federation has formally submitted evidence to FIFA alleging DR Congo used six to nine ineligible players who had not renounced prior citizenship as required by Congolese law.
- NFF general secretary Mohammed Sanusi says FIFA was misled into clearing players who held Congolese passports, and officials indicate FIFA is reviewing the case with a decision expected before March.
- DR Congo’s federation has rejected the petition as an attempt to ‘win from the back door,’ after the Leopards beat Nigeria on penalties on Nov. 16 to reach the intercontinental playoff.
- Cameroon has lodged a comparable challenge, adding pressure as DR Congo are currently scheduled to face the winner of Jamaica vs New Caledonia in Mexico during the March window.
- Possible outcomes range from dismissal or administrative penalties to sporting sanctions such as match forfeits or points deductions, with recent qualifiers providing precedents for both approaches.