Nigeria weighs FIFA claim after reports expose DR Congo eligibility breach

A top Nigerian National Sports Commission (NSC) official says Nigeria have been vindicated over their challenge to DR Congo’s use of ineligible players in World Cup qualifying and are “exploring all options,” including seeking compensation from FIFA for missing the 2026 World Cup, ESPN reports.

The NSC’s position follows reporting by The New York Times and Le Monde, which cited internal FIFA documents showing the body’s own lawyers determined DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi was ineligible, as his change of international association from France had not been completed. Both outlets reported that FIFA discovered the issue in March, before DR Congo’s intercontinental playoff against Jamaica, but took no disciplinary action, allowing DR Congo to qualify.

“Nothing has been decided yet, but we will seriously consider seeking compensation from FIFA for all of the economic losses this has cost Nigeria,” the NSC official told ESPN, citing lost revenue, player exposure, transfers and sponsorship fees.

There is precedent for such compensation: FIFA paid the Football Association of Ireland €5 million after Thierry Henry’s handball helped eliminate Ireland from 2010 World Cup qualifying, though that payment was structured as a loan later written off.

Nigeria’s complaint dates back to the Super Eagles’ elimination by DR Congo in November’s African playoffs, with former NFF president Ibrahim Gusau alleging at the time that FIFA had been misled over players’ dual nationality status under Congolese law. The NSC official said the Mpasi revelations vindicated Nigeria’s petition, adding that the country would now push for FIFA to reopen the case entirely.

“The case is about fraud, and fraud does not have a time limit for punishment,” the official said, calling for DR Congo to face consequences as a deterrent to others.