African football expert, Mamadou Gaye has asked people to be patient as Nigeria waits for a decision from FIFA in their case against the Democratic Republic of Congo following their African playoff final for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The Super Eagles lost in a painful penalty shootout against the Leopards, but they then officially complained to FIFA, saying that DR Congo played several players who are not eligible to be part of the game, like Axel Tuanzebe and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
There is still less than three weeks left until the international match window starts, but FIFA has not made a decision yet, which has left fans, players, and the Nigeria Football Federation unsure and worried.
Nigeria is hoping that a good decision will help them get back on track to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Gaye said that South Africa’s Bafana Bafana lost three points in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers because FIFA found out they used an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, and the decision was made just before the last matches of Group C.
Gaye said during the SuperSport Soccer Africa programme, “Let’s wait for FIFA to make the decision. You remember the points taken away from Bafana Bafana were done at the last minute.”
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation has confirmed friendly games against Iran and Jordan, two teams from Asia that are going to the World Cup, scheduled for next month, which is the same time as the intercontinental playoff matches.
Gaye said that Nigeria’s case should continue as planned and mentioned that any team that loses the case at FIFA can still bring the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
If FIFA’s final decision is made, DR Congo will play the winner of the playoff between New Caledonia and Jamaica, and the winner of that match will get a spot in the World Cup.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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