FIFA Knew DR Congo Used Ineligible Goalkeeper Against Nigeria — Report

Fresh revelations have raised new questions over Nigeria’s controversial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification exit, with a report alleging that FIFA knew the Democratic Republic of Congo had fielded an ineligible player against the Super Eagles.

According to an investigation by The New York Times, FIFA officials discovered that DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi had not completed the required process to switch his international allegiance from France to DR Congo.

Mpasi, who had represented France at youth level, featured for DR Congo in several World Cup qualifying matches, including the crucial African play-off final against Nigeria in Rabat, Morocco, on November 16, 2025. Nigeria lost the match 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw following extra time.

The report said FIFA lawyers later determined that Mpasi’s international eligibility had not been properly completed. Internal documents reportedly showed that FIFA considered several possible actions, including awarding the match to Nigeria, replacing DR Congo with Nigeria in the subsequent intercontinental play-off, imposing a fine, or dismissing the complaint on procedural grounds.

Nigeria had formally complained to FIFA over the eligibility of several DR Congo players after the defeat. However, the complaint was ultimately rejected on technical and procedural grounds.

DR Congo subsequently defeated Jamaica in the intercontinental play-off to secure a place at the 2026 World Cup, marking the country’s return to the tournament after decades away.

The revelation has now renewed debate over FIFA’s handling of Nigeria’s complaint and whether the governing body should have taken stronger disciplinary action after concerns over Mpasi’s eligibility emerged.

FIFA has maintained that its disciplinary bodies operate independently and that decisions are based on the applicable regulations and the facts of each case.

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