“Focus On AFCON”-DR Congo Slams Nigeria’s FIFA Petition
1 min read
By Sportsgister
The Democratic Republic of Congo has issued a firm and unapologetic response to Nigeria’s petition to FIFA over the alleged fielding of ineligible players during the CAF World Cup playoff qualifiers.
Speaking on the matter, DR Congo’s Director of Football, Hérita Ilunga, dismissed the complaint, insisting that FIFA’s regulations are based on sporting nationality rather than legal nationality.
“FIFA does not reason in terms of legal nationality but rather in terms of sporting nationality,” Ilunga stated. “If that is the case, I advise you, dear Naija brothers, to focus more on the AFCON,” he added, delivering the message with a touch of sarcasm.
Ilunga went further to question Nigeria’s approach, suggesting that results should be settled on the pitch rather than through legal channels.
“If you can’t win on the pitch, don’t try to win from the back door,” he said. “The World Cup has to be played with dignity and confidence, not with lawyers’ tricks. Bring it.”
The comments underline DR Congo’s confidence in their qualification process and signal a readiness to defend their position both on and off the field, as tensions continue to rise in African football’s World Cup race.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
