The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has hit back at Nigeria following a petition filed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The Leopards defeated the Super Eagles 4–3 on penalties in the final of the African playoffs held in Rabat last month, sealing their qualification hopes. However, Nigeria has since challenged the outcome, accusing DRC of fielding ineligible players and seeking their disqualification from the World Cup.
Reacting to the petition, the Congolese football authorities dismissed Nigeria’s move, accusing them of attempting to qualify “through the back door.”
In a strongly worded post on their official X (formerly Twitter) handle, DRC wrote, “If you can’t win on the pitch, don’t try to win from the back door.”
They further added, “The World Cup has to be played with dignity and confidence. Not with lawyers’ tricks. Bring it on!”
The exchange has intensified tensions between both football federations as the controversy surrounding the playoff result continues to draw reactions across the continent.
