Nigeria considers FIFA compensation claim over DR Congo eligibility controversy

Nigeria is considering seeking financial compensation from FIFA following fresh revelations concerning DR Congo’s use of goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi during the 2026 World Cup qualification process.

A senior National Sports Commission official said Nigerian authorities were reviewing their options following reports that FIFA officials had identified a problem with Mpasi’s eligibility but did not impose a sanction that removed DR Congo from the competition.

The official stressed that no final decision has yet been taken on whether Nigeria will formally demand compensation.

Nigeria cites financial and sporting losses

Nigeria missed the 2026 World Cup after losing to DR Congo in the African play-off final.

The game ended 1-1 after extra time before DR Congo won 4-3 on penalties.

The NSC official said Nigeria could potentially argue that missing the tournament resulted in financial losses involving World Cup participation revenue, sponsorship opportunities, player exposure, potential transfers and wider economic benefits.

The Guardian reported that Nigeria would have been guaranteed at least $12.5 million for participating in the World Cup, with higher payments available depending on tournament progress.

Officials are therefore considering whether FIFA could be asked to compensate Nigeria for opportunities allegedly lost as a result of the way the eligibility issue was handled.

Nigeria may also seek review of case

Compensation is not the only option being discussed.

The NSC official said Nigeria could also ask FIFA to reopen the eligibility case in light of the newly reported internal documents.

The documents reportedly show that FIFA officials had concerns over whether Mpasi had completed the formal process required to switch his international association from France to DR Congo.

FIFA nonetheless allowed DR Congo to continue competing, and the team subsequently reached the World Cup.

Nigeria is not the only federation seeking answers.

Jamaican football authorities and CONCACAF have also called for eligibility rules to be applied consistently and for concerns affecting competition integrity to be properly reviewed.

For now, however, Nigeria has not formally announced a compensation claim, and FIFA has not accepted liability.