Nigeria’s DR Congo protest dismissed over technicalities, source claims

FIFA dismissed Nigeria’s protest against DR Congo over the alleged use of an ineligible player in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on technical grounds, including the email address used to submit the petition, according to a source at Nigeria’s National Sports Commission (NSC).

DR Congo secured a place in the intercontinental play-offs after beating Nigeria 4-3 on penalties, following a 1-1 draw after extra time in their play-off final.

According to The New York Times, FIFA found that Nigeria’s complaint raised questions about whether DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi had fulfilled the requirements for switching his international allegiance from France to DR Congo before featuring in the match.

However, Nigeria’s appeal was dismissed, with the NSC source claiming that FIFA cited procedural issues in reaching its decision.

The source said one of the grounds for dismissal was that the petition had been sent to FIFA’s general secretary rather than submitted through the appropriate legal portal.

The source questioned that explanation, arguing that correspondence and complaints from member associations are commonly directed to the general secretary, who can then provide guidance on the appropriate channels for formal submissions.

FIFA also reportedly cited the timing of Nigeria’s filing as a reason for rejecting the protest, with the source disputing the justification for dismissing the case on that basis.

The development has raised questions in Nigeria over the handling of the complaint and the procedures governing eligibility disputes in international football.

Neither the claims about FIFA’s reasoning nor the arguments challenging its decision establish, on their own, whether Mpasi was ineligible or whether Nigeria’s protest met the governing body’s procedural requirements.