Nigeria Weighs Legal Action Against FIFA Over World Cup Exit
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.
