Fresh controversy has emerged over Nigeria’s failed bid to challenge the Democratic Republic of Congo’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with FIFA reportedly citing the email address used by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) as one of the technical reasons for dismissing the protest.
The NFF had raised concerns over DR Congo’s player eligibility after the Leopards eliminated the Super Eagles from the African World Cup playoff in November. The match ended 1-1 after extra time, before DR Congo prevailed 4-3 in the penalty shootout. However, the eligibility complaint was subsequently rejected.
DR Congo went on to beat Jamaica in the intercontinental playoff and qualified for the World Cup.
The New York Times reported that FIFA discovered that Nigeria’s petition against Lionel Mpasi, who was in goal in the playoff final, didn’t fulfill the requirements of his nationality switch from France to Congo before taking part in the game.
According to the National Sports Commission, FIFA also said the NFF sent its petition to the office of the FIFA general secretary instead of using the legal portal.
The NSC described that explanation as “a laughable claim,” arguing that petitions and correspondence are normally sent to the general secretary’s office before being directed to the appropriate department.
“Another ground was that it was filed late,” the NSC said.
“A lame excuse because doing the right thing after an infraction of such magnitude shouldn’t be time-barred.”
FIFA’s handling of the case has come under renewed scrutiny following an investigation by The New York Times, which reported that FIFA’s legal officials had identified concerns about Mpasi’s eligibility.
