The development follows reports that FIFA’s legal department had identified concerns over the eligibility of DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, whose change of international sporting nationality from France to DR Congo was reportedly found to have not been completed.
Nigeria had challenged the eligibility of Mpasi after DR Congo defeated the Super Eagles on penalties in the African playoff final, with the match ending 1-1 after extra time. DR Congo subsequently advanced to the intercontinental playoff.
According to a report by Vanguard, one of the technical grounds cited in rejecting Nigeria’s protest was that the NFF sent its petition to the General Secretary rather than through the appropriate legal channel.
A source at the National Sports Commission (NSC) reportedly questioned the basis of the decision, arguing that correspondence from member associations is often initially routed through the FIFA General Secretary before being directed to the appropriate department.
Late filing was reportedly another reason FIFA gave for declaring Nigeria’s complaint inadmissible. Reports indicate that FIFA ultimately did not impose sporting sanctions on DR Congo despite the concerns raised over Mpasi’s eligibility.
FIFA has procedures requiring legal and player-eligibility matters to be submitted through its designated legal framework and portals. The governing body also publishes decisions of its independent judicial bodies under its established procedures.
The revelations have renewed scrutiny of the circumstances surrounding Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, particularly over how the complaint was handled and the procedural grounds on which it was rejected.
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