₦airaland Forum

Bannedlargejr:
You must be an illiterate. Wetin consign fifa with nationality law? If I fictitiously obtain another National team passport and send it to fifa, they should clear me when it was an obvious Theft? The only way that I see congo getting out of these is for the aforementioned players clearly indicating with Documented evidence of their Renouncing their other national team passport with evidence. For example, Aaron wan bissaka has to disclose with documentation of his renounciation of his British passport prior to November 11. Anything contrary, it sets a bad precedent on FIFA laws and its laws shouldn’t be respected. Players like Orban should be playing for the super eaglea

If this matter doesn't go our way, we must cap that Orban guy right away, no time to waste!

charlesemeka85:
UPDATES on DR Congo potential World Cup miss.

The NFF has spoken through the General Secretary Dr Sanusi Mohammed.

Long but interesting READ 📚 👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾

Eligibility Dispute: DR Congo Misled FIFA In Player Clearance Process - NFF 

By Niyi Busari 

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that it has submitted a formal petition to FIFA over the alleged use of ineligible players by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) during their decisive clash with Nigeria in the CAF playoff for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Nigeria’s qualification hopes have been revived after FIFA opened an investigation into the eligibility of several DR Congo players who featured in the playoff final, which the Super Eagles lost on penalties. The match determined Africa’s representative for the intercontinental playoff, and the result is now under review following allegations of regulatory breaches.

Speaking on the matter, NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, said FIFA may have been misled by the DR Congo Football Association during the player clearance process.

“FIFA was deceived into clearing those players because it is not FIFA’s responsibility to interpret or enforce domestic citizenship laws,” Sanusi said. “DR Congo law does not permit dual citizenship, yet some of the players involved reportedly hold dual nationality.”

According to the NFF, FIFA approved the players based on documentation and assurances provided by the DR Congo federation, as FIFA regulations allow players to represent a country if they hold a valid passport. However, Nigeria’s complaint alleges that the clearance process itself may have been fraudulent, given potential conflicts with Congolese nationality laws.

“It is not FIFA’s duty to know the domestic laws of every country,” Sanusi added. “That is why we formally drew FIFA’s attention to the issue and we are now awaiting their verdict.”

The investigation is believed to centre on up to nine DR Congo players who allegedly switched national allegiance without fully completing the legal and administrative requirements stipulated by both Congolese law and FIFA statutes.

While possession of a passport is a key requirement under FIFA rules, it does not automatically guarantee eligibility. Players must also comply with domestic legal provisions and FIFA’s regulations governing changes of association.

Reports indicate that some of the affected players may not have finalised the necessary processes before representing DR Congo in the qualifiers.

FIFA is understood to be examining the matter closely, with possible outcomes ranging from match forfeiture to other disciplinary measures, depending on the findings. A complete disqualification from international competition remains unlikely but has not been ruled out.

Should DR Congo be sanctioned, the NFF says it is unclear whether Nigeria would automatically advance to the intercontinental playoff in Mexico or be required to contest another qualifying match.

Nigeria, meanwhile, remains on standby as it awaits FIFA’s final decision on the case.

I just watched the interview of the General Secretary.

NFF Lodges Official Petition with FIFA Over DR Congo's Use of Ineligible Players in World Cup Playoffs

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, confirmed to journalists on Tuesday that the federation has submitted a formal protest to FIFA,… pic.twitter.com/9IP66ilXEG

— Imran Muhammad (@Imranmuhdz) December 16, 2025

It is a case of deceipt and fraud from DR Congo

Papi85:
NFF President wear full suit and went to the World Cup draws.. Do you think he’s a fool 🤷🏾‍♂️.
You don’t just go to the World Cup draws.. You get invited for Representation.

from Buchi Alaba’s

To be fair, he is a fool regardless but I get what Buchi is trying to say. 🙃

do4luv14:
And when UZoho returns??

BTW which starting shirt, can you pls name the 3 goalkeepers before Uzoho injury?

Akpeyi, Ezenwa and Uzoho were the 3 GKs.

2 games after Uzoho's injury he leapfrogged and got starting shirt. He was starter for 15/17 next games even when Uzoho returned.

What are you even arguing sef

Bannedlargejr:
Some of the players with Dual-Citizenship that played against Nigeria Includes

Aaron wan bissaka
Michel Balikwisha

They should either show their time of denouncing their British Passport prior to November 2025 or they have broken the Law. Anything contrary, is tampering justice with mercy

DR Congo's nationality and citizenship law are very clear. If you are born outside the country to a Congolese parent then you are considered a citizen of Congo, none of them are citizens through naturalization.

Those born DR Congo and opting for a second nationality is prohibited. This case is dead on arrival as FIFA cleared those players.

Suriname and Indonesia does not allow dual citizenship yet they've been calling up Dutch-born players to their side with FIFA's approval. FIFA has no business with a country's citizenship laws.

All that matters to FIFA is that the players representing the nation meet the 3 following criteria.

I. Whether they were born in the country they want to represent (for countries that allow birthright citzenship)

ii. Whether they are naturalized through meeting the appropriate residence requirements according to FIFA (usually 5 years)

iii. Whether their parents and or grandparents were born (as citizens of the country they want to represent)

iv. Whether the document proving eligibility were submitted to FIFA for clearance.

Those mentioning Gift Orban, Tobias Lawal and Ehizibue as reference are not accurate as their cases are different independently.

Considering how FIFA handled the Emilio Nsue (Spanish-born footballer for Equatorial Guinea case), I believe they forfeited two 2026 World Cup Qualifying games, we can be somewhat hopeful.

It was a nationality switch case too.

Karlovych:
DR Congo's nationality and citizenship law are very clear. If you are born outside the country to a Congolese parent then you are considered a citizen of Congo, none of them are citizens through naturalization.

Those born DR Congo and opting for a second nationality is prohibited. This case is dead on arrival as FIFA cleared those players.

Suriname and Indonesia does not allow dual citizenship yet they've been calling up Dutch-born players to their side with FIFA's approval. FIFA has no business with a country's citizenship laws.

All that matters to FIFA is that the players representing the nation meet the 3 following criteria.

I. Whether they were born in the country they want to represent (for countries that allow birthright citzenship)

ii. Whether they are naturalized through meeting the appropriate residence requirements according to FIFA (usually 5 years)

iii. Whether their parents and or grandparents were born (as citizens of the country they want to represent)

iv. Whether the document proving eligibility were submitted to FIFA for clearance.

Those mentioning Gift Orban, Tobias Lawal and Ehizibue as reference are not accurate as their cases are different independently.

FIFA president don pass judgement

Papi85:
NFF President wear full suit and went to the World Cup draws.. Do you think he’s a fool 🤷🏾‍♂️.
You don’t just go to the World Cup draws.. You get invited for Representation.

from Buchi Alaba’s

If we happen to qualify.... It means we will be in Portugal's group....
Hmmmmm o lagbara ooo

Papi85:
FIFA president don pass judgement

abi o, life and direct

Odunayaw:
Akpeyi, Ezenwa and Uzoho were the 3 GKs.

2 games after Uzoho's injury he leapfrogged and got starting shirt. He was starter for 15/17 next games even when Uzoho returned.

What are you even arguing sef

Na Shakey Akpayi and Ezenwa make we begin looking for keepers, so leave Okoye not his fault, even Uzoho sef no be am then, he sabi school boy error

Allsame leave matter for Mathias

Papi85:
FIFA president don pass judgement

Okay

So you agree he got it on a platter of gold.

All this gymnastics is irrelevant

do4luv14:
Na Shakey Akpayi and Ezenwa make we begin looking for keepers, so leave Okoye not his fault, even Uzoho sef no be am then, he sabi school boy error

Allsame leave matter for Mathias

ekehopp2:
Considering how FIFA handled the Emilio Nsue (Spanish-born footballer for Equatorial Guinea case), I believe they forfeited two 2026 World Cup Qualifying games, we can be somewhat hopeful.

It was a nationality switch case too.

Nsue acquired Equatorial Guinea nationality (passport) after he had played official games for Spain youth teams, and he wasn't cleared by FIFA to switch because there was no paperwork, completely different case.

Odunayaw:
So you agree he got it on a platter of gold.

All this gymnastics is irrelevant

No I don't

Karlovych:
DR Congo's nationality and citizenship law are very clear. If you are born outside the country to a Congolese parent then you are considered a citizen of Congo, none of them are citizens through naturalization.

Those born DR Congo and opting for a second nationality is prohibited. This case is dead on arrival as FIFA cleared those players.

Suriname and Indonesia does not allow dual citizenship yet they've been calling up Dutch-born players to their side with FIFA's approval. FIFA has no business with a country's citizenship laws.

All that matters to FIFA is that the players representing the nation meet the 3 following criteria.

I. Whether they were born in the country they want to represent (for countries that allow birthright citzenship)

ii. Whether they are naturalized through meeting the appropriate residence requirements according to FIFA (usually 5 years)

iii. Whether their parents and or grandparents were born (as citizens of the country they want to represent)

iv. Whether the document proving eligibility were submitted to FIFA for clearance.

Those mentioning Gift Orban, Tobias Lawal and Ehizibue as reference are not accurate as their cases are different independently.

If I call you an illiterate now, they will say that I am harsh. You saw someone post FIFA eligibility law directly from their website and decided to post this information

Beep me when you have a point abeg

do4luv14:
No I don't

NFF did give FIFA substantial evidence. It’s not just one or two players! It’s crazy! It’s madness! I seriously cannot even believe it!

- This might be the biggest own goal in Africa Football History.

Buchi Laba

FIFA fit pity dem, but who are this people defending DRC Omoh, what are you defending, shambolic and hurried documentation circumventing your own very law.

The same that we’re defending South Africa.

Nawa o

If the somehow escape sef, this exposes are good for Africa football, African F.A must start doing this correctly.

Bannedlargejr:
If I call you an illiterate now, they will say that I am harsh. You saw someone post FIFA eligibility law directly from their website and decided to post this information

Perhaps you are the illiterate, my post was very clear.

The Netherlands does not allow dual citizenship yet Troost-Ekong was able to captain and represent the SE 83 times. Perhaps Gabon should equally file a complaint against us

Nigeria should just return back to 343 or 451 formation that secured us an ANC Final.

NFF did give FIFA substantial evidence. It’s not just one or two players! It’s crazy! It’s madness! I seriously cannot even believe it!

- This might be the biggest own goal in Africa Football History.

From Buchi Laba’s page

Karlovych:
Perhaps you are the illiterate, my post was very clear.

The Netherlands does not allow dual citizenship yet Troost-Ekong was able to captain and represent the SE 83 times. Perhaps Gabon should equally file a complaint against us

lol Ekong plays for us, and we accept dual nationality, what are you saying bro?
Country of subject DRC does not allow dual citizenship, if it was Nigeria not accepting then you have a case.

Any link to watch Nigeria vs Egypt friendly?

Dannyxy:
lol Ekong plays for us, and we accept dual nationality, what are you saying bro?

Those players in question were citizens of DR Congo the day they were born.

Rather than NFF and SE players focus on qualifying for tournaments properly without abracadabra they are looking for backdoor.

Fifa rules are clear regarding nationality switching

Dannyxy:
lol Ekong plays for us, and we accept dual nationality, what are you saying bro?
Country of subject DRC does not allow dual citizenship, if it was Nigeria not accepting then you have a case.

The guy is a Dullard. Ekong plays for Nigeria and Nigeria clearly accepts Dual-citizenship. Additionally, ekong followed Due process 1+ year to be approved to play for Nigeria. I do not know how else to explain the law clearly written on fifa website. The only way congo can get out of this is tampering justice with mercy

Karlovych:
Those players in question were citizens of DR Congo the day they were born.

Rather than NFF and SE players focus on qualifying for tournaments properly without abracadabra they are looking for backdoor.

Fifa rules are clear regarding nationality switching

How are they citizens of Congo the day they were born when they were born at Belgium and England respectively? Congo Dual-citizenship has a leeway and such leeway stipulates that, the individual has to be a minor “under 21” to be able to obtain 2 National team passport. The issue here is that, these players clearly Holds two national team passport and one of the country in question forbids holding Dual-passport

Bannedlargejr:
The guy is a Dullard. Ekong plays for Nigeria and Nigeria clearly accepts Dual-citizenship. Additionally, ekong followed Due process 1+ year to be approved to play for Nigeria. I do not know how else to explain the law clearly written on fifa website. The only way congo can get out of this is tampering justice with mercy

Infantino's personal assistant, well done. How long did it take Musiala to be cleared by Germany? You think other football federations are as incompetent as NFF

Karlovych:
Perhaps you are the illiterate, my post was very clear.

The Netherlands does not allow dual citizenship yet Troost-Ekong was able to captain and represent the SE 83 times. Perhaps Gabon should equally file a complaint against us

What are you even saying? Did he play under the Dutch flag?

The koko is that we allow so

I

Bannedlargejr:
How are they citizens of Congo the day they were born when they were born at Belgium and England respectively? Congo Dual-citizenship has a leeway and such leeway stipulates that, the individual has to be a minor “under 21” to be able to obtain 2 National team passport. The issue here is that, these players clearly Holds two national team passport and one of the country in question forbids holding Dual-passport

Belgium and England doesn't grant birthright citizenship and that's why they were first citizens of their parent's country of origin.

Odunayaw:
What are you even saying? Did he play under the Dutch flag?

The koko is that we allow so

Did he have to renounce his Dutch citizenship before doing so? No. Despite Netherlands not allowing he was still allowed to retain it. The NFF are just trying to delay the inevitable shit that will be thrown at their faces by FIFA

Dannyxy:
FIFA fit pity dem, but who are this people defending DRC Omoh, what are you defending, shambolic and hurried documentation circumventing your own very law.

The same that we’re defending South Africa.

Nawa o

If the somehow escape sef, this exposes are good for Africa football, African F.A must start doing this correctly.

Just imagine it was nff, shebi someone above is already abusing nff for the delay in switching nationalities issues, but other nations can never be incompetent except Nigeria, bunch of hypocrites

Karlovych:
IBelgium and England doesn't grant birthright citizenship and that's why they were first citizens of their parent's country of origin.

You keep switching the Goalposts in question. While Belgium and England might not grant birthright Citizenship. The players in question are Belgium and England citizens and most importantly held Belgium and England passport prior to November 2025. If holding a Belgium and England passports prior to November 2025 doesn’t not indicate being a citizen of those Countries, I do not know what else to say. The players in question has to officially declare to FIFA that, they forfeited their Belgium and England passport to play for Congo considering congo do not accept dual-citizenship. All information has to be prior to November 2025.
There’s a reason why Tobias lawal, ehizigbue, orban hasn’t played for Nigeria because of eligibility discrepancies. Like I said, only way for congo to get out of this is to Tamper justice with mercy and if fifa tampers justice with mercy for Congo. It has to follow through for everyone