The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has responded sharply to a petition filed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) challenging the outcome of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
DRC secured a dramatic qualification boost after defeating the Super Eagles 4–3 on penalties in the final of the African playoffs held in Rabat last month.
However, Nigeria has since contested the result, alleging that the Congolese team fielded ineligible players and has called for their disqualification from the World Cup race.
Reacting to the petition, Congolese football authorities dismissed Nigeria’s claims, accusing the NFF of attempting to gain qualification “through the back door.”
In a strongly worded statement posted on their official X (formerly Twitter) account, the DRC said, “If you can’t win on the pitch, don’t try to win from the back door.”
The statement added, “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 controversy surrounding the playoff result continues to generate reactions across the African football community.
