Nigeria's 2026 World Cup exit has come under fresh scrutiny after reports revealed that Fifa discovered Democratic Republic of Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi was ineligible during the qualifiers.
Investigations by Le Monde and The New York Times claim Fifa's legal team found that Mpasi, who holds French and Congolese nationality, had not completed the required process to switch his sporting nationality to the Democratic Republic of Congo after representing France at youth level.
Born in Meaux to Congolese parents, Mpasi became provisionally cap-tied to France after featuring in an U17 Euro qualifier against Serbia in June 2011.
The discovery followed a complaint by the Nigeria Football Federation after the Super Eagles lost to the Leopards on penalties in the African playoff final in November 2025.
The NFF had challenged the eligibility of several Democratic Republic of Congo players over nationality concerns and passport issues.
Despite the discovery, Fifa did not sanction DR Congo, allowing the Leopards to face Jamaica in the intercontinental playoff.
DR Congo defeated Jamaica 1-0 after extra time, with Mpasi in goal, to secure their place at the 2026 World Cup.
Had Fifa sanctioned DR Congo, Nigeria could have taken their place and faced Jamaica for a 2026 World Cup berth.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
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