Nigeria’s National Sports Commission (NSC) is exploring its options, including possible compensation from FIFA, following fresh revelations that the world football governing body was reportedly aware of an eligibility issue involving a DR Congo player during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The development follows reports by The New York Times and Le Monde based on internal FIFA documents, which allegedly showed that FIFA’s legal officials discovered that DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi had not completed the required process to switch his international allegiance from France to DR Congo.
Mpasi had featured for DR Congo, including in the African play-off final against Nigeria in November 2025, where the Super Eagles were eliminated after a 1-1 draw and a 4-3 defeat on penalties.
Nigeria had subsequently petitioned FIFA over the eligibility of DR Congo players, but the complaint was rejected on procedural grounds.
According to the newly reported documents, however, FIFA lawyers later identified Mpasi as ineligible and considered several possible courses of action, including disciplinary sanctions and a scenario in which Nigeria could replace DR Congo in the intercontinental play-off against Jamaica. The recommendations were ultimately not implemented.
The revelations have now reignited Nigeria’s frustration over the circumstances surrounding the Super Eagles’ failure to reach the 2026 World Cup.
A senior NSC official told ESPN that the commission is considering all available options and could seek compensation from FIFA for the financial and sporting losses Nigeria suffered as a result of missing the tournament.
The official pointed to potential losses in World Cup revenue, sponsorship opportunities, player exposure, transfer value and the wider economic benefits associated with Nigeria’s participation.
“Nothing has been decided yet,” the official said, while stressing that “nothing is off the table.”
The NSC also wants FIFA to review the case in light of the newly reported evidence, arguing that the issue goes beyond the technicality that led to Nigeria’s original complaint being dismissed.
The controversy is particularly significant because FIFA’s own regulations provide for disciplinary action when an ineligible player is fielded. FIFA has also previously sanctioned teams for similar breaches, including South Africa during the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
FIFA, however, has maintained that its judicial bodies are independent and decide cases based on the applicable regulations and the facts presented before them. The governing body has rejected suggestions that its president, Gianni Infantino, interfered in the case.
For Nigeria, the latest revelations could reopen a painful chapter in the Super Eagles’ failed World Cup campaign, with the NSC now considering whether FIFA should be held financially accountable for the consequences of the decision.
The commission’s next move could determine whether the controversy remains a matter of public outrage or develops into a formal legal battle with football’s global governing body.
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