African football analyst Mamadou Gaye has appealed for calm as Nigeria awaits a decision from FIFA regarding its protest against the DR Congo national football team after their African playoff final for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The Nigeria national football team were defeated on penalties by the Leopards but subsequently filed a formal complaint, alleging that DR Congo fielded ineligible players, including Axel Tuanzebe and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. With fewer than three weeks until the next international window, FIFA has yet to issue a ruling, leaving supporters, players and the Nigeria Football Federation in suspense. Nigeria remains hopeful that a favourable verdict could reopen its pathway to qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Speaking on SuperSport’s Soccer Africa programme, Gaye pointed to a recent precedent involving the South Africa national soccer team. Bafana Bafana were docked three points in the qualifiers after FIFA ruled that midfielder Teboho Mokoena was ineligible, with the decision arriving shortly before the final round of Group C matches.
“Let’s wait for FIFA to make the decision. You remember the points taken away from Bafana Bafana were done at the last minute,” Gaye said.
Meanwhile, the NFF has lined up friendly fixtures against the Iran national football team and the Jordan national football team, both of whom have already secured qualification for the World Cup. The friendlies are set to take place during the intercontinental playoff window.
Gaye further stressed that due process must be followed, noting that any party dissatisfied with FIFA’s final ruling retains the right to escalate the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Should FIFA rule in favour of DR Congo, the Leopards are expected to face the winner of the playoff between the New Caledonia national football team and the Jamaica national football team, with a coveted place at the 2026 World Cup on the line.