DR Congo are relying on the presence of Confederation of African Football (CAF) secretary-general, Véron Mosengo-Omba, a citizen of their country, to help them defeat Nigeria in a case of ‘forged citizenship’ lodged against them.
Sports247 gathered that high expectations are now pointing towards Monday for an announcement by world football governing body, FIFA in their verdict to a petition lodged by Nigeria against DR Congo.
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Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) alleged that DR Congo’s officials submitted forged documents to clear several players with dual nationality to play for their national team at the World Cup qualification play-offs.
Although all the players were duly cleared by FIFA to feature for DR Congo, who beat Nigeria via penalties in the play-off final, the NFF insist those clearances were gained with fraudulent documents submitted by the central African nation.
While speculation has lingered for almost three months over the likely verdict from FIFA, the suspense is reportedly set to end at the start of next week, and DR Congo are now said to be relying on Mosengo-Omba’s influence.
Sports247 gathered further that the impending FIFA verdict comes four months after the CAF scribe was allegedly ‘accused of running the organisation as his proprietorship … where employees are fired for speaking out against him.’
A report in The Guardian by Ed Aarons and Romain Molina on Tuesday 14 October, 2025 added in part, “Several former and current members of staff (said) there is an atmosphere of intimidation at the Caf headquarters in Cairo, where Mosengo-Omba is accused of sidelining colleagues and silencing whistleblowers.”
His influence is what DR Congo’s football authority is now relying on to swing FIFA’s decision in their favour, even as observers believe the case could still drag beyond the world football body into the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS).
An online report adds, “Véron Mosengo-Omba, the General Secretary of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) appointed in March 2021, is a Swiss-Congolese national born in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“He previously worked as the Chief Member Associations Officer at FIFA before taking the role of CAF’s General Secretary four years ago. He is also a close associate of FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
“According to very reliable sources, Mosengo-Omba and top football executives from Congo and some Francophone countries are allegedly using their strong influence in FIFA to lobby for a favourable decision in this matter.
“They know the seriousness of the petition and are scared that FIFA could decide in favour of Nigeria based on leaked information and available evidence. His influence in Africa and World football will come handy for DR Congo.
“The nation looks forward to Monday’s ruling that could decide who picks Africa’s sole ticket for next month’s intercontinental play-off against the winner of Jamaica and New Caledonia.” Secretary General To Defeat NFF In FIFA’s Verdict.
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