Nigeria has apparently been handed a golden chance at being at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with reports indicating that DR Congo may be ousted from the competition for fielding ineligible players.
On November 16, 2025, DR Congo submerged the Super Eagles of Nigeria 3-4 via penalties. Following a 1-1 stalemate in the playoffs final on the African continent. This was to secure the region's ticket to the intercontinental playoffs. Which will be held between the 26th and 31st of March 2026.
Frank Onyeka put the Super Eagles of Nigeria ahead in the 3rd minute. Before Meschack Elia restored parity for The Leopards of DR Congo two (2) minutes away from the half-hour mark.
Fulham center back Calvin Bassey alongside Hull City defender Semilore Ajayi and Paris FC forward Moses Simon all fluffed their spot kicks, resulting in an agonizing night for Nigerians.
Noah Sadiki of Sunderland, Pyramids’ Fiston Mayele, Celtic attacker Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Lille defensive stalwart Chancel Mbemba all converted their penalties to confirm Sébastien Desabre side's passage to the next qualification stage for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Intercontinental Playoffs which will determine two qualification slots for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They will take place at two (2) venues in Mexico. The Estadio BBVA in Guadalupe and the Estadio Akron in Zapopan.
However, it appears there might be a glimmer of hope around the corner for Nigeria. Who are coached by Malian tactician Eric Chelle. With reports claiming that six players of DR Congo who changed nationality failed to finalize the needed eligibility process.
Some sources are also stating that many of the players spotlighted did not properly renounce their previous citizenships.
This is understood to be an important requirement given that DR Congo does not acknowledge dual nationality.
There are additional allegations that a handful of the players who took part in the playoff match held in Morocco were over the age of 21. Yet still held passports from other nations, which in itself makes them ineligible. According to the stipulations of FIFA, the governing body of football.
Based on present realities. DR Congo, who got an automatic route to the final due to their position on the FIFA rankings are scheduled to play the winner of the semifinal showdown. Between New Caledonia, representing Oceania and North America’s representative Jamaica.
New Caledonia will battle Jamaica on March 26, 2026, while the final will be played on March 31, 2026.
Moreover, Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany has expressed his desire for DR Congo to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations
Kompany, who represented Belgium at international level during his playing career, has got Congolese roots, through his father Pierre.
Pierre Kompany, 78, who was born on September 8, 1947 in Costermansville. Belgian Congo, now DR Congo, is the first Congolese mayor in Belgium.
Speaking at a presser before Bayern Munich’s 2-2 draw with Mainz 05 on Sunday, December 14, 2025. Vincent Kompany said: “I would like DR Congo to win this AFCON.”
DR Congo locks horns with Benin Republic on Tuesday, December 23, 2025. In their first game of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The one-time champion of the continental showpiece will also slug it out with Senegal and Botswana on December 27, 2025, and December 30, 2025, respectively.
