Former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani has warned Nigeria against relying on technical grounds to disqualify the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) from the 2026 FIFA World Cup
He cautioned that such a move could have serious diplomatic consequences, especially involving United States President Donald Trump.
How Nigeria Missed Out
Nigeria were eliminated from the African qualifiers after DR Congo defeated the Super Eagles 4–3 on penalties.
The CAF playoff final was played in Morocco on November 16, 2025.
That victory earned DR Congo a place in the March 2026 inter-confederation playoffs.
They also secured a bye to the final against the winner of New Caledonia versus Jamaica.
NFF’s Petition to FIFA
Following the loss, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) submitted a formal petition to FIFA.
The petition alleged that up to nine DR Congo players were ineligible.
The NFF claimed the players, many of whom switched allegiance from European countries, did not formally renounce their former citizenships.
This, according to the NFF, violates DR Congo’s constitution, which bans dual nationality.
Players at the Centre of the Dispute
The players named include Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe.
NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, said FIFA initially cleared them based on valid Congolese passports.
However, he argued that the clearance process may have involved fraudulent documentation.
DR Congo’s Strong Rebuttal
DR Congo’s football federation, FECOFA, rejected Nigeria’s claims outright.
They insisted all players were duly cleared by FIFA.
FECOFA accused Nigeria of trying to qualify “through the back door” using “lawyers’ tricks” instead of winning on the pitch.
They also shared FIFA Change of Association documents to support their position.
Shehu Sani’s Cautionary Message
Reacting on his official X account on December 18, 2025, Shehu Sani acknowledged Nigeria’s efforts but issued a warning.
“After failing to qualify for FIFA World Cup, it’s a fact that Nigeria is fishing for evidence to disqualify DRC. We failed to qualify on the pitch, we want to qualify with technical fault.
“The way Mr Trump loves the President of DRC and their recent minerals deals, if we go ahead to trigger the removal of the DRC, I hope our players go get visa.”
Visa Concerns and U.S. Politics
Sani’s visa comment relates to the 2026 World Cup being co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Nigerian players would need U.S. visas for matches held on American soil.
His remarks also reference Trump’s reported closeness to DR Congo President Félix Tshisekedi.
This follows recent U.S.–DR Congo engagements linked to regional stability and access to strategic minerals such as cobalt, copper, and lithium.
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