The Nigeria Football Federation has confirmed that it has initiated a probe into DR Congo’s use of ineligible players during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, a development that could reopen Nigeria’s path to the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, PUNCH Online reports.

DR Congo eliminated Nigeria from the African play-offs in November after a 4–3 penalty shoot-out victory in Morocco, a result that ended the Super Eagles’ hopes of progressing to the FIFA intercontinental play-off.

The Congolese side has since been handed a bye into the final of the intercontinental play-off tournament, where they are scheduled to face the winner of the semi-final between New Caledonia and Jamaica.

However, their participation at that stage could now be in doubt following concerns raised by the NFF over the eligibility of several DR Congo players fielded during the African play-offs.

Reports suggest that between six and nine DR Congo players who switched national allegiance may not have fully complied with the eligibility requirements under Congolese law before representing the country.

While FIFA reportedly cleared the players on the basis that they possessed valid DR Congo passports, it is alleged that they failed to formally renounce their previous citizenships, contrary to the Central African nation’s constitution, which does not permit dual nationality.

“NFF has done the needful,” a member of the federation’s executive board told PUNCH Online.

“Their constitution does not allow dual citizenship, and about six to nine players had that status during the play-off. That is the loophole we are exploring. Our lawyers must have submitted the relevant documents to FIFA as well.”

NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, also confirmed that the NFF has faulted the players’ switch.

“We’re waiting. The Congolese rules say you cannot have dual citizenship or nationality,” Sanusi said. “Wan-Bissaka has a European passport; some of them have French passports, others Dutch passports. The rules are very clear, and we have submitted our petition.

“FIFA rules say once you have a passport of your country, you’re eligible, and that is why they were cleared,” Sanusi explained. “But our concern is that FIFA was deceived into clearing them. It is not FIFA’s responsibility to enforce Congo’s domestic regulations; FIFA acts based on what is submitted to it. What we are saying is that the process was fraudulent.”

The development has boosted Nigeria’s hope of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. The country had been condemned to missing back-to-back World Cups after failing to qualify for the 2022 edition in Qatar as well.

DR Congo, meanwhile, has appeared at the FIFA World Cup on one occasion in 1974 when they were known as Zaire.

Eleven days to the start of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle is at the centre of an intense situation with the Nigeria Football Federation over unpaid salaries, just as he is yet to unveil his final squad for the tournament, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The 2025 AFCON will be played from December 21 to January 18, 2026, in Morocco and Nigeria, and the 23 other sides are allowed to select up to 28 players for the 2025 finals.

The deadline for naming squads is Thursday, December 11, and the mandatory release date for clubs to make players available is Monday, December 15.

The Nigeria Football Federation published Chelle’s 54-man provisional list last Tuesday, and ahead of Thursday’s deadline by the Confederation of African Football.

However, it appears the final squad is not the only pressing issue on the coach’s desk, as reports surfaced on Tuesday that the Franco-Malian is owed three months salary.

“Nigeria coach Eric Chelle is owed three months salary and bonuses ahead of the AFCON,” journalist Shina Okeleji posted via X on Tuesday.

“The Malian, who led the Eagles to 2026 World Cup play-off, has, however, yet to make an official complaint to his employers (the NFF) about the non-payment of his salary.”

In response to the allegations, a top official of the Nigeria Football Federation confirmed to The PUNCH that the coach would be paid soon.

“Eric came to see us, and we explained the processes. His money will be paid. We have paid him even ahead before, and this time, we are waiting for cash backing from finance. The money on paper has been paid, and the coach is aware,” the source said.

“When they paid him two months ahead, all these were not glorified, and we don’t need this now,” he added.

In May, Chairman of the National Sports Commission Shehu Dikko revealed that the commission made provisions for the upfront payment of Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle’s salary until October through a presidentially endorsed support group as part of efforts to stabilise Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualification campaign.

“We worked with the Nigeria Football Federation to appoint the coach, and although the NFF signed his contract, we, through the support group, decided to cover his salary until October. This will give the NFF space to secure long-term funding and sponsorship,” Dikko said in an interview with former Nigeria international Segun Odegbami on Eagle 7 Sports Radio 103.7 FM.

Chelle, who was appointed in January by the NFF concluded Nigeria’s ill-fated 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

After sneaking into the African play-off, the Super Eagles lost on penalties to DR Congo in the final, marking an unfortunate back-to-back World Cup misses for Nigeria.

AFCON 2025 will be Chelle’s third major assignment with Nigeria, and the Super Eagles will compete in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania.

The Eagles’ camp is scheduled to open on Wednesday, December 10, in Egypt with an unofficial pre-tournament friendly also booked with the Pharaohs for December 16.

The Super Eagles begin their campaign on December 23, 2025, against Tanzania at the Complexe Sportif de Fès in Fès, while Tunisia face Uganda the same day at the Stade Annexe of Prince Moulay in Rabat.

The biggest game in the group comes on December 27, when Nigeria take on Tunisia in Fès, as Uganda and Tanzania square off in Rabat.

The final round of Group C matches will be played simultaneously on December 31, with Uganda facing Nigeria in Fès and Tunisia meeting Tanzania in Rabat.

Nigeria, runners-up at the last AFCON after losing 2–1 to hosts Ivory Coast, are seeking a fourth continental title. The Super Eagles previously won the competition in 1980, 1994 and 2013.