Sports

DR Congo Warns NFF Against Off-Pitch World Cup Protest Over Player Eligibility Dispute

Published

1 month ago

December 17, 2025

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF)

DR Congo Warns NFF Against Off-Pitch World Cup Protest Over Player Eligibility Dispute

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has issued a strong warning to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) following Nigeria’s petition to FIFA over alleged ineligible players in the 2026 World Cup playoff. The NFF formally challenged the eligibility of some DR Congo national team players who featured in the playoff match that ended Nigeria’s qualification hopes.

DR Congo, which defeated the Super Eagles on penalties in November, dismissed the allegations, accusing Nigeria of attempting to overturn the result through administrative means. In a statement on the national team’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, the Leopards said: “If you can’t win on the pitch, don’t try to win from the back door. The World Cup must be played with dignity and confidence — not with legal tricks. Bring it on.”

The NFF’s petition focuses on claims that several DR Congo players who switched national allegiance may not have fully complied with FIFA nationality eligibility rules. The dispute centers on dual nationality, which is not recognised under DR Congo law.

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Confirming the protest, NFF Secretary General Dr. Mohammed Sanusi said Nigeria had formally raised concerns with FIFA over possible violations of nationality regulations. “We’re waiting. The Congolese rules say you cannot have a dual citizenship or nationality. Wan-Bissaka has a European passport, there are some of them that have French passports, some of them Dutch passports. The rules are very clear, and we have submitted our petition,” Sanusi explained.

He added that FIFA had previously cleared the players based on information submitted by DR Congo, which Nigeria believes may have been incomplete or misleading. “That’s why FIFA cleared them. FIFA rules say once you have passports of your country, you’re eligible, as far as FIFA is concerned. But our concern is that FIFA was deceived into clearing them,” he said.

The dispute highlights ongoing tensions in African football over player eligibility and raises questions about compliance with FIFA regulations as nations prepare for the 2026 World Cup.

DR Congo Warns NFF Against Off-Pitch World Cup Protest Over Player Eligibility Dispute

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Casemiro Set to Leave Manchester United as Contract Nears Expiry

Published

2 days ago

January 23, 2026

Trends Admin

Casemiro Set to Leave Manchester United as Contract Nears Expiry

Manchester United have confirmed that Casemiro will leave Old Trafford at the end of the 2025/26 season, marking the end of the Brazilian midfielder’s four-year spell with the club.

The decision follows United’s choice not to activate the one-year extension clause in Casemiro’s contract, as the club moves ahead with a squad rebuild aimed at reducing wages and refreshing the midfield. The 33-year-old joined United from Real Madrid in 2022 and quickly became a key figure in the dressing room and on the pitch.

In an emotional message to fans, Casemiro thanked the club and supporters for their backing, saying he would carry “eternal respect” for Manchester United while remaining fully committed for the rest of the season.

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During his time at United, Casemiro made over 140 appearances, scoring crucial goals and playing a central role in the club’s recent silverware, including the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup. His leadership and experience were particularly vital during United’s return to the UEFA Champions League.

The Brazilian’s exit comes amid wider changes at the club, with Manchester United planning a summer midfield revamp as they push to remain competitive domestically and in Europe. Reports suggest Casemiro could attract interest from Saudi Arabia, Major League Soccer (MLS) or a return to Brazil, where his experience remains highly valued.

Despite his impending departure, United sources say Casemiro is focused on finishing the campaign strongly as the club battles for Premier League positioning and European qualification.

Casemiro Set to Leave Manchester United as Contract Nears Expiry

Sports

Super Eagles Most Impressive Team at AFCON 2025 – Yaya Touré

Published

4 days ago

January 21, 2026

Trends Admin

Super Eagles Most Impressive Team at AFCON 2025 – Yaya Touré

Former African football icon Yaya Touré has described Nigeria’s Super Eagles as the most impressive team at AFCON 2025, praising their attacking quality, discipline and consistency throughout the tournament in Morocco.

The former Ivory Coast captain said Nigeria stood out among the continent’s best despite failing to reach the final, noting that the Super Eagles combined exciting attacking football with strong organisation at the back. According to Touré, Nigeria’s style of play and overall impact made them his top performers at the tournament.

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Under head coach Éric Chelle, the Super Eagles enjoyed a strong AFCON campaign, winning the majority of their matches and emerging as one of the highest-scoring teams at the competition. Nigeria reached the semi-finals, where they narrowly lost to hosts Morocco on penalties, before defeating Egypt to secure the bronze medal.

Touré’s praise adds to the growing recognition Nigeria has received following AFCON 2025. The team’s impressive run also contributed to an improvement in their FIFA ranking, reinforcing optimism around the squad ahead of upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

As celebrations continue back home, Touré’s endorsement has further strengthened the belief that the Super Eagles are firmly back among Africa’s elite football nations, with a promising future on both the continental and global stage.

Super Eagles Most Impressive Team at AFCON 2025 – Yaya Touré

Sports

Mbappé Nets Brace as Real Madrid Demolish Monaco 6–1

Published

4 days ago

January 21, 2026

Trends Admin

Mbappé Nets Brace as Real Madrid Demolish Monaco 6–1

Kylian Mbappé scored twice as Real Madrid delivered a ruthless performance to thrash AS Monaco 6–1 at the Santiago Bernabéu, sending a strong statement in the UEFA Champions League and easing pressure after recent domestic setbacks.

The French superstar wasted no time against his former club, opening the scoring early before adding a second inside the first half to take his Champions League goals tally into double figures this season. His sharp finishing set the tone for a dominant night in Madrid.

Vinícius Júnior was equally influential, tormenting the Monaco defence with pace and creativity. The Brazilian capped his display with a fine goal and an assist, while Jude Bellingham added his name to the scoresheet late on as Madrid ran riot.

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Further goals came through teenage prospect Franco Mastantuono and a Thilo Kehrer own goal, highlighting Monaco’s defensive collapse. The visitors managed only a consolation strike, offering little resistance as Madrid controlled possession and tempo throughout.

The emphatic victory lifts Real Madrid into a strong position in the Champions League standings, keeping them firmly on course for automatic qualification to the knockout stage. For Monaco, the heavy defeat leaves their European hopes hanging by a thread.

The result also marks a positive start under new head coach Álvaro Arbeloa, with Madrid fans buoyed by one of the club’s most complete performances of the season as the race for European glory intensifies.