"The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) submitted a complaint to Fifa in December, arguing that Leopards players such as Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe - both former England youth internationals - were ineligible because Congolese law does not allow dual citizenship. While a section of the Super Eagles fanbase is hoping the side could secure a lifeline, others are questioning the fairness of a potential qualification by appeal."
"Fifa has confirmed the matter is under review but the world governing body has not issued a timetable for a ruling and the NFF has moved to quash speculation that its complaint has been thrown out. "Any claims that a ruling has been made are false," NFF director of communications Demola Olajire said. "Fifa has not communicated any verdict to us or to the Congolese federation." At the time of the protest, NFF general secretary Mohammed Sanusi argued DR Congo had breached Fifa's regulations."
Fifa is reviewing a complaint from the Nigeria Football Federation alleging that DR Congo fielded ineligible players during Africa's 2026 World Cup play-offs. The Congolese beat the Super Eagles on penalties in November to reach an intercontinental qualifier. The NFF alleges players including Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe were ineligible because Congolese law prohibits dual nationality. Tuanzebe and Wan-Bissaka also played for DR Congo at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The Congolese federation rejected the challenge as an attempt to "win via the back door." A final Fifa ruling has not been communicated and the Leopards await their intercontinental play-off opponent.
Read at www.bbc.com
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