Nigeria World Cup boost emerges as CAF chief faces pressure while FIFA reviews NFF petition against DR Congo

The Nigeria national football team has received a potential Nigeria World Cup boost after an executive committee member of the Confederation of African Football called for the removal of the body’s Secretary General amid an ongoing eligibility dispute involving DR Congo national football team.

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The Nigeria Football Federation lodged a formal petition on December 15, alleging that DR Congo fielded an ineligible player during the African play-off final held at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Morocco last November.

Nigeria lost the match 4-3 on penalties after extra time, missing out on a place in the intercontinental play-offs scheduled for Mexico in March.

The federation argued that irregularities occurred in the clearance process of the player in question and claimed incomplete documentation may have been submitted for approval.

Although several reports suggested that FIFA would deliver a ruling on February 16, both the Nigeria Football Federation and the National Sports Commission stated that no official communication has been received and urged the public to disregard speculation.

The latest twist emerged when Samir Sobha, President of the Mauritius Football Association and a member of CAF’s Executive Committee, publicly called for the removal of CAF Secretary General Véron Mosengo-Omba.

Sobha questioned Mosengo-Omba’s legal standing to continue in office and urged CAF leadership to address the matter in line with its statutes.

Mosengo-Omba, a Congolese national, has faced criticism over his alleged role in the handling of the petition.

“I don’t think that the SG is in any legal position to make decisions or sign documents,” Sobha said, calling for adherence to governance rules and regulatory compliance.

Mosengo-Omba was appointed CAF Secretary General in 2021 after leaving his role within FIFA’s Member Associations division.

Meanwhile, DR Congo officials have accused the Nigeria Football Federation of exerting undue pressure on FIFA in a bid to overturn the result and secure qualification.

Despite the escalating rhetoric, FIFA has yet to announce a final decision, leaving Nigeria’s qualification hopes hanging in the balance.

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For the Super Eagles, the unfolding governance dispute represents a significant and dramatic development that could influence the outcome of the eligibility case and determine their path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.