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Tag: DR Congo

FIFA to Rule Monday on NFF Petition That Could Restore Super Eagles’ World Cup Hopes

Wale busari03 mins

Nigerian football fans are eagerly awaiting Monday, 16th February, when FIFA is set to rule on a petition filed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) challenging the eligibility of six players fielded by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) during the 2026 World Cup African play-off final. The Super Eagles were eliminated after a tense 4–3 penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo in November 2025, ending Nigeria’s hopes of direct qualification for the FIFA World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Following the loss, the NFF lodged its formal protest on 15th December 2025, claiming that the DR Congo players were ineligible due to recent nationality changes. Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, NFF General Secretary, expressed confidence ahead of FIFA’s decision: “We have a good case… we do not venture into what would be an exercise in futility.” Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi also shared his cautious optimism, saying, “We are still waiting; hopefully we can go to the World Cup.” If FIFA rules in Nigeria’s favour, the Super Eagles could be reinstated in the qualification process and compete in the intercontinental play-offs in Mexico next month for a chance at one of the final two World Cup berths. Officials from DR Congo have rejected the allegations, citing FIFA’s eligibility rules that allow the players to represent their country. Critics argue that such disputes should be settled on the pitch rather than in legal petitions. With the ruling scheduled for Monday, millions of Nigerian football supporters are closely following developments that could dramatically alter the Super Eagles’ 2026 World Cup journey.

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DR Congo’s Fan, Kukah Mboladinga Becomes Africa Cup Of Nations’ Iconic “Human Statue”

Wale busari02 mins

The Democratic Republic of Congo exited the Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday, but Michel Kuka Mboladinga, known as the “human statue,” stole the spotlight. Draped in bright, colorful clothing, Kuka stands completely still during matches, eyes lifted to the sky, right arm raised, palm open. On Tuesday, he was joined by hundreds of Congolese fans, whose trip to Morocco was funded by the government, for the last-16 match against Algeria, which the Leopards lost 1-0 in extra time. Kuka’s pose honors Patrice Lumumba, Congo’s independence leader and first prime minister, whose statue stands in Kinshasa. Lumumba was assassinated in 1961 by Katanga separatists and Belgian mercenaries, leaving one of the darkest marks in Congo-Belgium history. Fans at the tournament praised Kuka’s tribute. “He is our brother,” said 30-year-old Laetitia Malula in Casablanca before the Algeria game. “He chose to imitate Lumumba, our hero. That is why we chant his name.” DR Congo’s Cup of Nations campaign comes amid ongoing conflict in the east along the Rwandan border, where fighting has continued since 2021 involving the Rwandan-backed M23 group. Kuka avoided the media, but Jered Bitobo, 35, head of communications for his supporters’ group, described the pose as “a sign of peace.” “He sends a strong message at home and abroad. The open palm represents the peace our country needs,” Bitobo said. Kuka first performed the pose years ago at matches for AS Vita Club, and it has since become his signature at every game.

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NFF Investigates DR Congo Over Ineligible Players, Boosting Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup Hopes

Wale busari04 mins

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced an investigation into DR Congo’s use of potentially ineligible players during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, a move that could revive Nigeria’s chances of reaching the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, PUNCH Online reports. DR Congo eliminated Nigeria from the African play-offs in November, winning 4–3 on penalties in Morocco and ending the Super Eagles’ hopes of advancing to the FIFA intercontinental play-off. The Congolese team has since advanced to the final of the intercontinental play-off, where they are set to face the winner of the semi-final between New Caledonia and Jamaica. However, the NFF has raised questions about the eligibility of several DR Congo players fielded during the African play-offs. Reports indicate that six to nine players who switched national allegiance may not have fully complied with Congolese law, which prohibits dual citizenship. While FIFA cleared the players based on possession of DR Congo passports, it is alleged they did not formally renounce their previous nationalities, potentially violating the country’s constitution. “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 the federation’s challenge, saying, “We’re waiting. The Congolese rules say you cannot have dual citizenship or nationality. Some of the players have European passports—French, Dutch, or others. 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,” he added. “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. What we are saying is that the process was fraudulent.” The development has renewed hopes for Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup, following their failure to reach the 2022 edition in Qatar. DR Congo has made a single FIFA World Cup appearance, in 1974, when the country was known as Zaire.

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Eric Chelle Claims DR Congo Used “Voodoo” During Penalty Shootout That Eliminated Nigeria From 2026 World Cup

Wale busari02 mins

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has alleged that the Democratic Republic of Congo used “voodoo” during the penalty shootout that knocked Nigeria out of the 2026 World Cup qualifying playoff final in Morocco. Chelle spoke to reporters on Sunday after Nigeria’s 1–1 draw with DR Congo, which went to penalties. Nigeria took an early lead in the third minute through Frank Onyeka’s deflected strike, but Meschak Elia equalized later in the first half. With neither team scoring in extra time, DR Congo clinched victory in the shootout. Tensions flared after Chancel Mbemba converted the decisive penalty, prompting Chelle to storm the DR Congo technical area and confront staff, including head coach Sébastien Desabre, before being restrained by Nigerian officials. Desabre later downplayed the incident, describing it as “not an issue.” Chelle, however, maintained that members of the Congolese bench engaged in ritualistic actions during the penalties. “During all the penalty sessions, the guy from Congo did some voodoo,” Chelle said. “Every time, so this is why I was a little nervous after him.” Asked to clarify, he added: “Yeah, something like, I don’t know if it’s water or something like that [he was spraying it up].” The loss continues Nigeria’s World Cup struggles. The Super Eagles also missed the 2022 tournament, marking the first time they have failed to qualify for consecutive World Cups since their debut in 1994.

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Nigeria Crash Out Of 2026 World Cup Race After Penalty Defeat To DR Congo

Wale busari02 mins

Nigeria’s bid to return to the World Cup stage has ended in heartbreak after a tense playoff defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo in Rabat brought their 2026 campaign to a close. The Super Eagles, who had hoped to bounce back after failing to qualify in 2022, were pushed to the limit in a gritty battle that stretched into a penalty shootout. DR Congo held their nerve when it mattered most, edging Nigeria and sealing the West African giants’ elimination from the qualifiers. The loss means Nigeria will miss the World Cup for a second consecutive edition, a rare setback for a nation that had reached six of the previous seven tournaments. While Nigeria’s journey ends, DR Congo’s remarkable run continues. The Leopards have advanced to the inter-confederation playoff, where six teams will compete for the final two tickets to the 2026 World Cup. Their surge has been described as a Cinderella story, with the team now just one step away from returning to the global stage for the first time since 1974, when they qualified as Zaire for the tournament in West Germany.

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World Cup Playoff Final: Chelle Unleashes Osimhen, Lookman on DR Congo

Fola Badmus01 mins

  By BUNMI OGUNYALE   Super Eagles manager, Eric Chelle has named the duo of Ademola Lookman and red-hot striker Victor Osimhen to the lead team’s assault in tonight’s 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff against DR Congo in Rabat, Morocco. Both players are expected to bring their experience to bear as the immediate past and the current African Footballers of the Year against the Congolese. Stanley Nwabali retained his place in goal and he will get cover from Benjamin Fredrick, Saidu Sanusi, Semi Ajayi and Calvin Bassey. Stand-in Captain Wilfred Ndidi will marshal the midfield along with Frank Onyeka, Samuel Chukwueze and Alex Iwobi. The substitutes for tonight’s tie are; Maduka Okoye, William Troost-Ekong, Chidera Ejuke, Akor Adams, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Tolulope Arokodare, Bruno Onyemaechi, Alhassan Abdullahi, Amas Obasogie, Adike and Chidozie Awaziem. The tie is slated to kick off at 8pm Nigeria time.

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World Cup Play-off Final: Ekong says Eagles Will Be Up to Leopards’ Challenge

Wale busari05 mins

Nigeria’s captain William Ekong has admitted that the Leopards of Democratic Republic of Congo will be a mountain to climb in Sunday’s Final of the FIFA World Cup Africa Playoff Tournament, but assured that the Super Eagles have the ammunition to prevail at the Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay El Hassan. Both countries, who share five African titles between them, clash in a high-stakes game that will produce Africa’s representative at the Intercontinental Playoffs for two more slots at the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals. That tournament will take place in Mexico in four months. “There is no doubt that the Congolese will be a big challenge. They got here because they are tough and ambitious, and also want to go to the World Cup. “However, we have a large group of players here, 24 of them, out of which only about four of us have been to the World Cup (in 2018). There is that adrenalin flowing in their system to go to the World Cup and I see it as a big motivation for us to conquer on Sunday.” Ekong, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi and Chidozie Awaziem are the only members of the present squad who were part of the squad to Russia 2018. Coach Éric Chelle’s ensemble must beware of a number of predators in the Congo squad, including Spain-based Cédric Bakambu, France-based Nathaniel Mbuku, former Russia U21 star Theo Bongonda and Pyramid of Egypt’s Fiston Mayele. English Premiership’s Noah Sadiki and Spain-based Charles Pickel are to hold in midfield, while the attack-minded Aaron Wan-Bissaka leads a compact defence that also includes captain Chancel Mbemba, who is looking forward to his 101st cap. Chelle has all his 24 players available for selection, including Iwobi who will be winning his 91st cap and Simon Moses who will collect his 87th, and Ekong said on Saturday afternoon that the entire group is focused on emerging victorious on Sunday evening. “We would have preferred to have taken the automatic ticket but it didn’t work out. Now, we are here and we have a second chance and we do not intend to bungle it.” Sunday’s match will kick off at 8pm. SUPER EAGLES, LEOPARDS IN HISTORY 13 Dec 1969: DR Congo 5-0 Nigeria (Friendly: Kinshasa) 01 March 1976: DR Congo 2-4 Nigeria (AFCON finals: Dire Dawa) 19 Jan 1992: DR Congo 0-1 Nigeria (AFCON finals: Ziguinchor) 02 Apr 1994: DR Congo 0-2 Nigeria (AFCON finals: Tunis) 03 Mar 2010: Nigeria 5-0 DR Congo (Friendly: Abuja) 08 Oct 2015: DR Congo 2-0 Nigeria (Friendly: Visé) 27 May 2018: Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo (Friendly: Port Harcourt) . Between 1971-1997, DR Congo was known as Zaire ÉRIC SÉKOU CHELLE’S SUPER EAGLES DIARY 21 Mar 2025: Rwanda 0-2 Nigeria (FIFA World Cup Q: Kigali) 25 Mar 2025: Nigeria 1-1 Zimbabwe (FIFA World Cup Q: Uyo) 28 May 2025: Nigeria 2-1 Ghana (Unity Cup: London) 31 May 2025: Jamaica 2-2 Nigeria (Unity Cup: London) . Nigeria win 5-4 on penalties to retain the trophy 06 Jun 2025: Russia 1-1 Nigeria (Friendly: Moscow) 06 Sep 2025: Nigeria 1-0 Rwanda (FIFA World Cup Q: Uyo) 09 Sep 2025: South Africa 1-1 Nigeria (FIFA World Cup Q: Bloemfontein) 10 Oct 2025: Lesotho 1-2 Nigeria (FIFA World Cup Q: Polokwane) 14 Oct 2025: Nigeria 4-0 Bénin Republic (FIFA World Cup Q: Uyo) 13 Nov 2025: Gabon 1-4 Nigeria (FIFA World Cup Playoff: Rabat)

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Nigeria Super Eagles to Take on DR Congo in 2026 World Cup Africa Qualifiers Final

Wale busari02 mins

The DR Congo Leopards will face Nigeria’s Super Eagles in the final of the 2026 World Cup Africa qualifiers in Morocco on Sunday. DR Congo secured their spot after a dramatic 1-0 victory over Cameroon in the second semi-final at Stade El Barid in Rabat. Captain Chancel Mbemba scored a stoppage-time winner, heading in a corner from Brian Cipenga in the first minute of added time to stun the five-time African champions. Cameroon, who hold the African record for the most World Cup appearances with eight, will miss out on the expanded 48-team tournament next year after losing their automatic spot in the playoffs to Cape Verde, marking the latter’s first-ever World Cup qualification. Earlier, Nigeria advanced to the final with a 4-1 win over Gabon after extra time at Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat. The winner of the Africa playoff final will move on to a six-team intercontinental qualifier in Mexico by March 2026, which will determine the last two spots for the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

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