The African play-off final, played on 16 November 2025 in the Moroccan city of Rabat, ended in dramatic fashion as DR Congo triumphed 4-3 on penalties after extra time following a 1-1 draw.

The result dashed Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the Fifa World Cup for the first time since 2018.

Moments before Leopards captain Chancel Mbemba converted the decisive spot-kick, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle accused DR Congo officials of attempting to use voodoo.

In the aftermath of the defeat, the NFF lodged a formal protest with Fifa, questioning the eligibility of several DR Congo players who had switched international allegiance.

Nigeria’s complaint centres on domestic laws in DR Congo that reportedly do not recognise dual citizenship for adults. This raised questions over the eligibility of Premier League players such as Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe, both of whom featured in the match.

With just two weeks remaining before the intercontinental play-offs in Mexico to decide which countries qualify for the World Cup finals, the sanctions have heightened anticipation surrounding Fifa’s decision on the NFF’s protest over the alleged use of ineligible players by DR Congo.

However, Fifa has included DR Congo in the fixtures for the upcoming intercontinental World Cup play-offs. They are set to face the winner of the match between New Caledonia and Jamaica on 31 March.

Leopards head coach Sebastien Desabre has named a 26-man squad, with Yoane Wissa returning after missing the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations due to a knee injury.

DR Congo are hoping to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1974, when the country competed under the name Zaire.

Up to 10 African nations could qualify to participate in the expanded global tournament in North America.