Why Nigeria says FIFA should pay for Super Eagles’ World Cup absence

Nigeria is considering seeking compensation from FIFA for financial and economic losses suffered after missing the 2026 World Cup amid fresh questions over DR Congo’s use of an allegedly ineligible player.

A National Sports Commission official told ESPN that Nigeria was “exploring all options” following reports that FIFA lawyers had determined DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi had not completed his change of international association from France.

“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 official said.

“The revenue that the Super Eagles and the NFF would have received from participating at the World Cup, the exposure that players would have got, transfers, the sponsorship fees, even the boost to the Nigerian economy.

“We are exploring all our options as a country and nothing is off the table.”

Nigeria were eliminated by DR Congo in the African playoffs after a 1-1 draw, losing 4-3 on penalties.

The NSC argues that FIFA should have investigated eligibility concerns irrespective of Nigeria’s correspondence.

“Nigeria has been vindicated,” the official said. “When we said we had written a petition to FIFA, people accused us of all sorts of things. I think this has proven that we were correct that DRC fielded ineligible players.”

Nigeria also wants FIFA to reopen the case and consider sanctions against DR Congo.

“Nigeria will be seeking for FIFA to review the case because the case is about fraud and fraud does not have a time limit for punishment,” the official said.

No compensation claim has yet been formally decided, according to the NSC official.