Sani Criticises Nigeria’s Attempt to Disqualify DRC from World Cup through ‘Technical Fault’

Former senator and human rights activist Shehu Sani has reacted to Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, alleging that the country is now attempting to secure qualification through technical means rather than on the pitch.

In a post on Thursday, Sani said it was “a fact” that Nigeria is searching for evidence to disqualify the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following the Super Eagles’ inability to qualify through competitive results. He criticised the approach, describing it as an attempt to qualify through “technical fault” after failing on the field.

“We failed to qualify on the pitch; we want to qualify with a technical fault,” Sani wrote.

He further warned of possible international and diplomatic consequences if Nigeria pursues the removal of the DRC from the competition. Sani referenced the relationship between former United States President Donald Trump and the President of the DRC, as well as recent mineral-related agreements involving the Central African nation.

Highlighting the potential implications for Nigerian players, Sani cautioned that escalating the issue could backfire. “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 get a visa,” he added.

In November, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) defeated the Super Eagles on penalties to qualify for Africa’s spot at the World Cup 2026, but reports have emerged that the DRC did not field eligible players but used players who did not switch nationalities and so violated FIFA rules, and it is seeking their disqualification from the World Cup.

However, DRC has hit back at Nigeria following a petition filed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and accusing them of attempting to qualify “through the back door.”

“If you can’t win on the pitch, don’t try to win from the back door.”

“The World Cup has to be played with dignity and confidence. Not with lawyers’ tricks. Bring it on!”