Nigeria Weighs FIFA Compensation Bid Over DR Congo Eligibility Dispute

Nigeria’s National Sports Commission (NSC) is weighing whether to ask FIFA for compensation after claims that DR Congo used an ineligible player in World Cup qualifying, an issue that played a part in Nigeria missing out on the 2026 tournament. The consideration follows reports by The New York Times and Le Monde alleging that FIFA’s own legal staff concluded DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi was not eligible because his change of national association from France had not been completed. Those outlets, citing internal FIFA documents they reviewed, said FIFA attorneys identified the issue in March, ahead of DR Congo’s intercontinental playoff with Jamaica, yet no disciplinary measures were imposed. DR Congo ultimately secured qualification for the World Cup. An NSC official told ESPN: "Nothing has been decided yet, but we will seriously consider seeking compensation from FIFA for all of the economic losses this has cost Nigeria." The official added: "The revenue that the Super Eagles and the NFF would have received from participating at the World Cup, the exposure that players would have got, transfers, the sponsorship fees, even the boost to the Nigerian economy. We are exploring all our options as a country and nothing is off the table." In the meantime, the Jamaican Football Federation (JFF) stated: "CONCACAF takes player eligibility matters very seriously and expects the applicable regulations and procedures to be applied consistently and fairly in all competitions. Any concerns regarding player eligibility, particularly those that may affect the integrity of a competition or the interests of one of our member associations, should be thoroughly reviewed and addressed through FIFA's appropriate governance and disciplinary bodies, in accordance with established regulations and due process." The NFF had expressed concern about DR Congo’s player eligibility after the Leopards knocked the Super Eagles out of the African World Cup playoff in November. That match finished 1-1 after extra time, and DR Congo won 4-3 on penalties. The eligibility complaint was later dismissed.