“If you can’t win on the pitch, don’t try to win from the back door” – DR Congo FA fires back at Nigeria

The Federation of Congolese Football Associations (FECOFA) has fired back at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) after the latter submitted a petition to FIFA over the eligibility of some DR Congo players.

NFF confirmed it had officially challenged six Congolese stars, including former Manchester United players Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe, claiming they did not renounce their European passports before representing DR Congo.

Nigeria wants the Leopards kicked out of the intercontinental playoffs and their spot given to the Super Eagles.

DR Congo FA reacts

Via its official X page, FECOFA blasted Nigeria, calling them “bad losers” who couldn’t qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on merit and were now trying to use legal tricks to get in.

“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. Allez y les Léopards. Bad losers,” the statement read.

Netizens react

The post sparked reactions online, mostly from Nigerians.

@bagginths wrote: “Do you intend to keep fielding ineligible players as you progress all through the group stages? ‘Bring it on’ – do you think you can beat Nigeria in this politics?”

@neo_crystal added: “Inasmuch as I don’t even want the Super Eagles at the World Cup, did you field ineligible players? Why come out to write this rubbish if you aren’t guilty?”

@gbengamendel said: “Dignity with ineligible players? This route you want to take will eventually finish you people. As fans, we now fully support the course – we do not tolerate loud mouths.”

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