By George Omagbemi
Fresh details have emerged on why FIFA rejected the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) protest against the Democratic Republic of Congo over the eligibility of players used in their 2026 World Cup qualifying play-off.
According to reports citing a senior source at the National Sports Commission (NSC), FIFA listed the NFF’s use of the wrong email channel among the technical grounds for dismissing the complaint.
The NFF reportedly sent its petition to the office of FIFA’s Secretary General instead of the designated legal portal. The NSC source described the decision as questionable, arguing that football federations commonly route official correspondence through the Secretary General’s office.
However, the email issue was not the only procedural concern. Reports indicate that late submission of the complaint was also cited as a reason for its dismissal.
The NFF had challenged the eligibility of several DR Congo players, with particular attention on goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, over the process through which he switched his international allegiance from France to DR Congo.
Nigeria had lost the decisive African play-off final to DR Congo 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw following extra time in Rabat, Morocco, in November 2025.
The controversy has resurfaced following reports that FIFA officials had raised internal concerns about Mpasi’s eligibility. FIFA, however, has maintained that its relevant committees handled the matter according to the applicable procedures.
The latest revelations have intensified questions over the NFF’s handling of the protest and the procedural requirements governing disputes before FIFA.
For Nigeria, the episode has become another painful chapter in the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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