Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup hopes have improved after CAS upheld FIFA’s decision docking Equatorial Guinea six points for fielding an ineligible player.
Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been boosted after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) upheld FIFA’s decision to deduct six points from Equatorial Guinea for fielding an ineligible player.
Equatorial Guinea lost victories against Namibia and Liberia after striker Emilio Nsue, who scored in both games, was ruled ineligible to represent the country.
FIFA awarded 3-0 technical wins to their opponents, dropping Equatorial Guinea from second to fifth place in Group H.
The decision lifts Namibia into contention and improves Nigeria’s standing in the race for one of four best runners-up slots across nine groups.
Nigeria currently sits behind South Africa and Benin in Group C but could gain further advantage if FIFA penalizes South Africa for fielding suspended midfielder Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho.
Nigeria will face Lesotho and Benin in their final fixtures, with the outcome crucial to their qualification hopes.