The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has hit back at Nigeria over a petition filed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), accusing the country of attempting to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup “through the back door.” The reaction follows DRC’s victory over Nigeria in the final of the African playoffs in Rabat last month, where the Leopards won 4–3 on penalties. Nigeria, through the NFF, subsequently submitted a petition to FIFA seeking the disqualification of DRC from the World Cup, alleging that the Congolese side fielded several ineligible players during the playoff encounter. In a strongly worded response posted on their official X (formerly Twitter) account, DRC dismissed the claims and criticised Nigeria’s action. “If you can’t win on the pitch, don’t try to win from the back door,” the statement read. “The World Cup has to be played with dignity and confidence. Not with lawyers’ tricks. Bring it on!” The exchange has further heightened tensions between the two football federations as the global football body is expected to review the petition and determine the next course of action.
DRC Accuses Nigeria of Seeking World Cup Qualification “Through the Back Door”
