*How FIFA Aided Congo to Field Ineligible Player Against Nigeria In 2026 World Cup Playoffs*
Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup hopes have been thrown into fresh controversy after FIFA reportedly found DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi ineligible.
Internal FIFA documents reviewed by The New York Times reportedly show that Mpasi lacked completed documentation to switch his international affiliation from France to DR Congo.
Mpasi had represented France at youth level before switching allegiance, but the required administrative process reportedly remained unfinished. FIFA lawyers discovered the issue in March 2026, months after Nigeria lost to DR Congo in the African playoff final.
The goalkeeper played in that decisive match, which DR Congo eventually won 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw following extra time.
Nigeria subsequently challenged the eligibility of several DR Congo players, seeking FIFA intervention after the defeat ended the Super Eagles’ direct route toward the World Cup. Documents now suggest FIFA officials later identified Mpasi as an ineligible player.
FIFA legal officials reportedly considered several possible solutions after discovering the eligibility problem, including awarding the match to Nigeria and imposing financial penalties.
Another option involved replacing DR Congo with Nigeria in the intercontinental playoff against Jamaica, potentially giving the Super Eagles another opportunity to qualify for the tournament.
Instead, FIFA ultimately dismissed Nigeria’s complaint on procedural grounds, arguing that the Nigerian federation had filed its case too late. FIFA said its disciplinary committee examined the complaint and declared it inadmissible.
The decision allowed DR Congo to continue its qualification campaign, eventually defeating Jamaica and securing a place at the 2026 World Cup.
The revelations have now intensified questions over FIFA’s handling of player eligibility and whether its rules were applied consistently in Nigeria’s case. Previous eligibility disputes have produced sporting sanctions, making the decision particularly controversial.
FIFA has rejected suggestions that President Gianni Infantino influenced the process, insisting that its judicial bodies operate independently and decide cases according to applicable regulations.
For Nigeria, however, the revelations reopen one of the most painful episodes in its recent football history, with the Super Eagles potentially denied another World Cup opportunity.
The controversy also raises a bigger question: if FIFA knew Mpasi was ineligible before DR Congo faced Jamaica, why did Nigeria not receive the opportunity to replace them?
