Ernest osogbue
From every indication, FIFA is playing a game of checkers with the petition filed before it by the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, over the ineligibility of several DR Congo players in the African playoffs against Nigeria. That petition has been sitting on FIFA’s desk since October last year, when the NFF flagged the discrepancies in the clearance of several DRC players.
Despite the urgency of the matter, FIFA has remained mum. In March 2026, less than one month away, the intercontinental playoffs to determine the last teams to qualify for the 2026 World Cup would be held, yet, FIFA hasn’t mentioned the petition challenging the DRC’s qualification for the playoffs. We were all informed that a definitive decision would be made on Monday, February 16th, 2026, yet again, that day has come and gone without mention being made of the issue. A careful search of the FIFA website, shows no relevant report on the matter as well.
It becomes obvious, therefore, that the NFF petition has merit, if not, FIFA would have jumped out to dismiss it as being frivolous months ago. The fact that the petition is being scrutinized, being moved from desk to desk, being shifted from one department to the other, means that high powered politics is being played in Zurich. Rather than focus on the merits of the matter, FIFA is looking for possible loopholes to allow a cornered rat to escape.
The NFF must not rest on its oars, this is the time for the NFF to utilize its connections, goodwill, and other resources, within the top echelons of FIFA, to ensure that no underhand decisions are taken in a matter that has become as clear as daylight. If this matter finally goes against Nigeria, it will not be due to the case lacking merit, but likely due to a lack of clout at the FIFA level on the part of the NFF and the NSC.
We are therefore, calling on Ibrahim Gusau, Mohammed Sanusi, Amaju Pinnick, Shehu Dikko, Bukola Olopade, and the rest of the NFF and NSC bigwigs, who usually throw their weights around Nigerian journalists, this is the time to prove your mettle, and show that all the braggings you engage in within Nigeria, the throwing of your big agbada, your fancy suits, and expensive Italian shoes, this is the time to exhibit your true value and display that you have some clout where and when it matters. The ball is now in your court, go to Zurich, and do your thing.
