DR Congo’s hopes of qualifying for their first-ever World Cup are under threat after the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed it has submitted a petition to FIFA, alleging ‘fraudulent’ practices involving several Congolese players.

The Leopards secured their spot in the March intercontinental play-offs by edging Nigeria 4-3 on penalties in last month’s CAF Playoffs final in Morocco. They are now set to face the winner of the New Caledonia vs. Jamaica tie, with the victor advancing to Group K alongside Portugal, Uzbekistan, and Colombia.

However, the NFF claims it has formally challenged the eligibility of several DR Congo players who reportedly changed nationalities without proper clearance.

“There are players that got theirs (passports) in just two or three months. To us, that is a breach of the regulations, and that is why we submitted the petition,” NFF General Secretary Sanusi Mohammed told the media.

Mohammed added: “Congolese law does not allow dual nationality. Some players, like Wan-Bissaka, hold European passports, and there are others with French or Dutch passports. FIFA regulations state that once you have a passport of your country, you are eligible, but our contention is that FIFA was misled in clearing them. Based on what was presented, FIFA approved them, but we believe it was fraudulent.”

According to Flashscore.com, at least nine players could be deemed ineligible, including Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, and Arthur Masuaku. Similar concerns had been raised previously by Cameroon over European-born players representing DR Congo, but the Congolese dismissed those allegations.

The Nigerian petition now opens the door to a review that could have significant implications for the Leopards’ World Cup ambitions.

Meanwhile, the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFA) has rejected the NFF’s complaint, describing it as an attempt by Nigeria to “succeed through the back door” and labeling the move as unsportsmanlike.

Under DR Congo law, dual citizenship is generally not recognized, meaning players holding or recently holding foreign passports may technically be ineligible to represent the national team.