The tensions began after DR Congo clinched a 4–3 penalty shootout win over the Super Eagles in Morocco, a result that sent the Leopards to the 2026 FIFA Intercontinental Playoff in Mexico. In the aftermath, various media outlets circulated claims that the team’s qualification was at risk due to alleged irregularities surrounding Wan-Bissaka’s international status.
But when BSN Sports reached out for clarification, a senior FIFA official dismissed the rumors as speculative and disconnected from any official process. The official confirmed that no federation—Nigeria’s included—had submitted a challenge.
According to FIFA, Wan-Bissaka’s eligibility was settled long before the decisive match. The defender, born in England to Congolese parents, had represented DR Congo at U20 level before a stint with England’s youth teams. However, with no senior England caps and after a formal request to change his national footballing allegiance, FIFA granted full approval on 22 August 2025. He later debuted for DR Congo in a World Cup qualifier against South Sudan on 5 September 2025—cementing his status well ahead of the CAF playoff.
When asked whether the Nigeria Football Federation intended to escalate any complaint, NFF Secretary General Sanusi Mohammed declined to respond. The silence, however, has not stopped external commentary. The FIFA official criticized the growing narrative, suggesting that instead of pursuing administrative loopholes, some stakeholders should focus attention on solid developmental priorities—such as coaching systems and football infrastructure.
The reaffirmation from FIFA effectively ends days of conjecture: DR Congo’s qualification stands firm, and there is no active inquiry threatening their World Cup pathway.