Former Super Eagles defender Ifeanyi Udeze has thrown his support behind DR Congo as they aim to seal a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Soccernet.ng reports.
The former West Brom left-back's backing comes despite the ongoing dispute involving Nigeria’s football authorities and the DR Congo.
The Leopards today face Jamaica in a decisive inter-confederation play-off final in Guadalajara, with a place at the World Cup on the line. The match, staged at the Estadio Akron, offers both nations a rare opportunity to reach football’s biggest stage.
It is a huge chance for DR Congo to return to the World Cup for the first time since 1974, when they competed as Zaire. Jamaica, meanwhile, are chasing only their second appearance after debuting in 1998.
La Céleste arrive with confidence, having beaten Bermuda 2-0 in a recent friendly and already overcoming major African opposition, including Nigeria, in earlier qualifying rounds.
Led by captain Chancel Mbemba and attackers Cédric Bakambu and Yoane Wissa, they carry both experience and attacking threat. Jamaica will rely on the creativity of Leon Bailey and Bobby De Cordova-Reid as they look to upset the Africans.
Udeze, speaking ahead of the match, made it clear his backing for DR Congo is intentional and symbolic.
“I am supporting DR Congo to be at the World Cup because I want the Super Eagles players to understand what it means to qualify for a big tournament like the World Cup,” Udeze told Brila.
“Especially seeing that the team that knocked you out eventually picked the ticket. So, I’m supporting DR Congo and I’m wishing them all the best.”
Nigeria eligibility case against DR Congo continues
While Udeze lends his support to DR Congo on the pitch, the situation off it has already taken a decisive turn. The Nigeria Football Federation had filed a formal protest against the two-time African champions, questioning the eligibility of several players, but that case has been dismissed by FIFA.
The complaint focused on nine players, including Premier League-based names such as Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe. Nigeria argued that DR Congo’s domestic laws do not recognise dual citizenship for adults, suggesting the players’ nationality switches were invalid.
However, FIFA ruled that all players met its eligibility requirements, which are based on possession of a valid passport and proper approval for switching national associations. As a result, no breach of regulations was found.
Reports also indicate that procedural issues weakened Nigeria’s case, with the protest submitted outside the required 24-hour window and without the necessary filing fee. These factors contributed to the dismissal by FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee in mid-March 2026.
Despite the setback, the NFF has lodged an appeal, maintaining its dissatisfaction with the ruling. However, the appeal has not affected the ongoing qualification process, and DR Congo remain the recognised representatives in the play-offs.
The outcome leaves Nigeria officially out of contention for the 2026 World Cup, while DR Congo now stand just one match away from securing their place on football’s biggest stage.
