Nigeria is considering seeking compensation from FIFA over the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup following fresh revelations concerning the eligibility of a Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) player.
The development follows reports that FIFA’s legal officials had determined that DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi had not completed the required process to switch his international affiliation from France, where he had represented the country at youth level. Despite the finding, no disciplinary action was taken against DR Congo.
Nigeria had previously petitioned FIFA over the eligibility of several DR Congo players after the Super Eagles lost to the Leopards in the African play-off final in November 2025. The match ended 1-1 after extra time before DR Congo won 4-3 on penalties, ending Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the World Cup. FIFA later rejected Nigeria’s complaint, prompting the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to appeal the decision.
However, reports based on documents reviewed by The New York Times and Le Monde indicate that FIFA officials had identified the issue with Mpasi’s international switch before DR Congo played Jamaica in the intercontinental play-off. DR Congo subsequently defeated Jamaica and secured qualification for the World Cup.
A senior official of Nigeria’s National Sports Commission (NSC) told ESPN that the country was considering seeking compensation from FIFA for the financial and other losses associated with missing the tournament. The official said no decision had been taken but that Nigeria would examine all available options.
The potential claim could cover revenues the NFF and Super Eagles might have earned from participating in the World Cup, as well as sponsorship opportunities, player exposure and wider economic benefits. Nigeria is also considering asking FIFA to review its handling of the eligibility complaint.
The controversy has renewed questions about the consistency of FIFA’s enforcement of player-eligibility rules, particularly given previous cases in which teams were sanctioned for fielding ineligible players. FIFA, however, has maintained its position on the matter, while the full implications of the latest revelations remain to be determined.
