₦airaland Forum

Crazy times in African football 🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣

mekabuachi:
Nff petition rejected because it wasn't filed properly...

So Nigeria truly get case o

Fifa dey use technicality for dat kind big matter.
U see dat big eye fifa president and dat frog eye CAF president ehn.. Dem too corrupt.

Jamaica fit even win DRC Congo for Playoffs. Dem good

semid4lyfe:
Based on technicality (failure to file within the stipulated time period), not on the merit or lack of merit of the petition.

FIFA dey do like Nigerian judiciary. So disappointing.

So what was FIFA investigating all this while when the petition could have been dismissed the same week it was filed?

Never thought it'd go our way but the more I think about it, the more it seems like a political ruling motivated by a desire not to upset the apple cart.

NFF should just move on.

Looking at it it looks like a deliberate act by fifa
When the mokeona south Africa case initially came out... This 24 hours issue came out, but fifa still deducted the 3 pints when it was not petitioned after 24 hours...
With the excuse of fifa our petition was supposed to be rejected two weeks at least after it was fined, why wait till two weeks to the playoffs??
Something is definitely not right..

AAA593:
So Nigeria truly get case o

Fifa dey use technicality for dat kind big matter.
U see dat big eye fifa president and dat frog eye CAF president ehn.. Dem too corrupt.

Jamaica fit even win DRC Congo for Playoffs. Dem good

I'm not a fan of NFF... But I support let them pursue this case to any level... FIFA's excuse of breach in regulations while filing the petition does not hold water at all

AAA593:
So Nigeria truly get case o

Fifa dey use technicality for dat kind big matter.
U see dat big eye fifa president and dat frog eye CAF president ehn.. Dem too corrupt.

Jamaica fit even win DRC Congo for Playoffs. Dem good

I'm rooting for Jamaica all the way

AAA593:
So Nigeria truly get case o

Fifa dey use technicality for dat kind big matter.
U see dat big eye fifa president and dat frog eye CAF president ehn.. Dem too corrupt.

Jamaica fit even win DRC Congo for Playoffs. Dem good

It's a big shame that the same technicality couldn't have been applied to Morocco's petition at CAF. Both FIFA and CAF have set a bad precedent for the game. NFF, too, should be called out for the shoddy practice of not even paying the required fee.

In both matters, it's so clear that the highest level of politicking is what determines outcomes of cases like this, and not necessarily the rules.

opes:
Jamaica will be ready to pick up from where Nigeria stopped if they lose to DR Congo, unless any of the affected players are not used.

Exactly, no wonder DRC had to drop some players for the game, there are surely insiders who were feeding both the NFF and DRC info on the matter

I want to ask a question Does the Court of Arbitration for Sport have an expedited procedure that allows it to decide cases within a single day, similar to the fast-tracked appeal decisions sometimes issued by the Confederation of African Football just like the Morocco 🇲🇦 and Senegal 🇸🇳 case ….dts the only way out to get something out of Nigeria petition

elyte89:
I want to ask a question Does the Court of Arbitration for Sport have an expedited procedure that allows it to decide cases within a single day, similar to the fast-tracked appeal decisions sometimes issued by the Confederation of African Football just like the Morocco 🇲🇦 and Senegal 🇸🇳 case ….dts the only way out to get something out of Nigeria petition

Guy give it up on that Nigeria case o ti lo. FIFA knew what it was doing dragging on that case this long to deny it on technicalities. If they really wanted the eagles in the World Cup they would have ruled in our favour. I don’t see CAS upturning that decision and even that of Senegal. These are purely political decisions!

Football is purely business and politically inclined now! I also think there are so many countries in breach just like Congo and FIFA may not want to rock the boat too much likewise CAS! Imagine both decisions upturned, will that will not lead to another round of chaos? The deed is done bruv

Goke7:
Guy give it up on that Nigeria case o ti lo. FIFA knew what it was doing dragging on that case this long to deny it on technicalities. If they really wanted the eagles in the World Cup they would have ruled in our favour. I don’t see CAS upturning that decision and even that of Senegal. These are purely political decisions!

Football is purely business and politically inclined now! I also think there are so many countries in breach just like Congo and FIFA may not want to rock the boat too much likewise CAS! Imagine both decisions upturned, will that will not lead to another round of chaos? The deed is done bruv

Good explanation…..anyway , make I Dey observe

Goke7:
Guy give it up on that Nigeria case o ti lo. FIFA knew what it was doing dragging on that case this long to deny it on technicalities. If they really wanted the eagles in the World Cup they would have ruled in our favour. I don’t see CAS upturning that decision and even that of Senegal. These are purely political decisions!

Football is purely business and politically inclined now! I also think there are so many countries in breach just like Congo and FIFA may not want to rock the boat too much likewise CAS! Imagine both decisions upturned, will that will not lead to another round of chaos? The deed is done bruv

Why did fifa bother making laws, when they know they won't abide by it anyways?
Very corrupt organisation

mekabuachi:
Why did fifa bother making laws, when they know they won't abide by it anyways?
Very corrupt organisation

Am even so happy that both decisions and outcomes came out same day as it makes nonsense of those who claim that the outcomes of games must always be decided on the pitch 😂

Make I hear anyone coming out to mention anyone going thru the backdoor again the thunder wey go fire them go be pro max!

Be away for a day wetin I miss?

On the FIFA ruling no matter the shortcomings of the NFF I support seeing the case to its logical conclusion at CAS. At least let's once and for all establish the true parameters for eligibility and switching to another country notwithstanding the final outcome.

On the pitch we lost out fair and square however rules are rules and it's within our rights to establish if according to FIFA Statutes that the letter of the law was followed.

As for CAF the less about that disgrace of an organization the better. Fully expect CAS to throw that disgusting ruling into the dustbin.

Napoleon55:
It's a shame on Motsepe and Morocco, Anything they like,let them do,they will never be regarded among the African football powerhouse,
They and CAF would probably want to deploy a plan to win next AFCON, but still they won't be among the powerhouse.
The African powerhouse are:

Nigeria
Egypt
Cameron
CIV
Ghana
Senegal

Their Cinderella runs in football may just have ended, it's more likely they won't cross first round at the world cup.

This decision by Motsepe is nonsense, I wonder what all the west African representatives are doing in that CAF.

Next they will join all the U17 best teams in Africa in the same group, and Nigeria and the west African countries would continue to allow such rubbish pairings to continue and as a result Nigeria or Ghana won't qualify for U17 world cup.

part of the reason we are not producing U17 boys again

How can you join Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal in one group/tournament.

Who knows when the next caf election is coming up ? Honestly these guys need to be removed

NFF x DRC Protest - This is a scandal: A must-read with a proper context ⬇️

By Kunle Solaja.

Nigeria’s hopes of returning to the FIFA World Cup have finally collapsed after it emerged that the country’s protest against the eligibility of some players used by the Democratic Republic of Congo in last year’s African play-off was dismissed on procedural grounds. Sports

The protest followed Nigeria’s defeat to the DR Congo national football team in the decisive African play-off match for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, played on November 16, 2025, at the Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco. The match ended 1–1 after regulation and extra time before the Congolese side prevailed in a sudden-death penalty shootout.

In the weeks after the match, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) raised concerns about the eligibility of several Congolese players, alleging irregularities in the issuance of passports that enabled them to feature in the encounter.

However, an inside source within FIFA, the world football governing body, has disclosed that the Nigerian protest did not meet the procedural requirements for it to be considered by FIFA’s judicial bodies.

According to the source, the NFF’s complaint was received by FIFA on November 28, 2025, nearly two weeks after the match in Rabat.

Under the Regulations Governing the Preliminary Competition for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, protests regarding player eligibility must follow strict timelines.

“Article 8 of the FIFA World Cup Preliminary Competition Regulations outlines the strict procedures for filing match protests.”

Article 8 of the regulations stipulates that any protest must first be communicated to the match commissioner within two hours of the completion of the match, and then followed by a detailed written submission within 24 hours.

The article states:
“Protests regarding the eligibility of players selected for matches in the preliminary competition shall be submitted in writing within two hours of the match and followed by a full written report within 24 hours.”

Because Nigeria’s protest was submitted on November 28 for a match played on November 16, it fell well outside the allowable window.

The source further revealed that the mandatory protest fee of 1,000 Swiss francs, which must accompany such submissions, was also not paid. As a result, the case was not formally processed by FIFA’s judicial bodies.

“The appeal that was widely reported was never actually entertained by the FIFA judicial authorities because it did not meet the procedural requirements,” the source explained, adding that the NFF was formally informed of the situation on March 9, 2026.

It took another week before the body made the decision known, indirectly with a claim of appeal of the judgment.

Simple Protest, our NFF no Sabi. Lord have mercy

Damioduso1:
NFF x DRC Protest - This is a scandal: A must-read with a proper context ⬇️

By Kunle Solaja.

Nigeria’s hopes of returning to the FIFA World Cup have finally collapsed after it emerged that the country’s protest against the eligibility of some players used by the Democratic Republic of Congo in last year’s African play-off was dismissed on procedural grounds. Sports

The protest followed Nigeria’s defeat to the DR Congo national football team in the decisive African play-off match for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, played on November 16, 2025, at the Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco. The match ended 1–1 after regulation and extra time before the Congolese side prevailed in a sudden-death penalty shootout.

In the weeks after the match, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) raised concerns about the eligibility of several Congolese players, alleging irregularities in the issuance of passports that enabled them to feature in the encounter.

However, an inside source within FIFA, the world football governing body, has disclosed that the Nigerian protest did not meet the procedural requirements for it to be considered by FIFA’s judicial bodies.

According to the source, the NFF’s complaint was received by FIFA on November 28, 2025, nearly two weeks after the match in Rabat.

Under the Regulations Governing the Preliminary Competition for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, protests regarding player eligibility must follow strict timelines.

“Article 8 of the FIFA World Cup Preliminary Competition Regulations outlines the strict procedures for filing match protests.”

Article 8 of the regulations stipulates that any protest must first be communicated to the match commissioner within two hours of the completion of the match, and then followed by a detailed written submission within 24 hours.

The article states:
“Protests regarding the eligibility of players selected for matches in the preliminary competition shall be submitted in writing within two hours of the match and followed by a full written report within 24 hours.”

Because Nigeria’s protest was submitted on November 28 for a match played on November 16, it fell well outside the allowable window.

The source further revealed that the mandatory protest fee of 1,000 Swiss francs, which must accompany such submissions, was also not paid. As a result, the case was not formally processed by FIFA’s judicial bodies.

“The appeal that was widely reported was never actually entertained by the FIFA judicial authorities because it did not meet the procedural requirements,” the source explained, adding that the NFF was formally informed of the situation on March 9, 2026.

It took another week before the body made the decision known, indirectly with a claim of appeal of the judgment.

Simple Protest, our NFF no Sabi. Lord have mercy

FiFA is not just interested in the case from
Day one..they didn’t treat the case at all,it’s so obvious from their response..I hope it won’t backfire with dis precedent once countries start national shopping of players from other countries

orriyomi33:
I have been looking to share this.....only one assist is recorded for the Monster Machine on BBC sport football commentary

Make them dey play.

BankyGee:
Make them dey play.

Where him Dey against dr Congo 🙄🙄🙄😏😏😏😏

Toylove:
Exactly my thoughts.
They didn’t read article 84 during the game, a day after the game, a week after the game, it is 2 months after the final you remembered article 84. Congratulations to Morocco. Boardroom AFCON winners

Article 84 - MOTM

The timing excuse does not fly im afraid. If the timing was the issue, south africa shouldn't have been deducted any points at all.

Damioduso1:
NFF x DRC Protest - This is a scandal: A must-read with a proper context ⬇️

By Kunle Solaja.

Nigeria’s hopes of returning to the FIFA World Cup have finally collapsed after it emerged that the country’s protest against the eligibility of some players used by the Democratic Republic of Congo in last year’s African play-off was dismissed on procedural grounds. Sports

The protest followed Nigeria’s defeat to the DR Congo national football team in the decisive African play-off match for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, played on November 16, 2025, at the Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco. The match ended 1–1 after regulation and extra time before the Congolese side prevailed in a sudden-death penalty shootout.

In the weeks after the match, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) raised concerns about the eligibility of several Congolese players, alleging irregularities in the issuance of passports that enabled them to feature in the encounter.

However, an inside source within FIFA, the world football governing body, has disclosed that the Nigerian protest did not meet the procedural requirements for it to be considered by FIFA’s judicial bodies.

According to the source, the NFF’s complaint was received by FIFA on November 28, 2025, nearly two weeks after the match in Rabat.

Under the Regulations Governing the Preliminary Competition for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, protests regarding player eligibility must follow strict timelines.

“Article 8 of the FIFA World Cup Preliminary Competition Regulations outlines the strict procedures for filing match protests.”

Article 8 of the regulations stipulates that any protest must first be communicated to the match commissioner within two hours of the completion of the match, and then followed by a detailed written submission within 24 hours.

The article states:
“Protests regarding the eligibility of players selected for matches in the preliminary competition shall be submitted in writing within two hours of the match and followed by a full written report within 24 hours.”

Because Nigeria’s protest was submitted on November 28 for a match played on November 16, it fell well outside the allowable window.

The source further revealed that the mandatory protest fee of 1,000 Swiss francs, which must accompany such submissions, was also not paid. As a result, the case was not formally processed by FIFA’s judicial bodies.

“The appeal that was widely reported was never actually entertained by the FIFA judicial authorities because it did not meet the procedural requirements,” the source explained, adding that the NFF was formally informed of the situation on March 9, 2026.

It took another week before the body made the decision known, indirectly with a claim of appeal of the judgment.

Simple Protest, our NFF no Sabi. Lord have mercy

Don’t blame the nff too much for donkey years they never mastered off the pitch politics so they are still learners including us as supporters and fans. We just think everything must be on the pitch of play. Look at the Libya issue but for Ekong and the players insisting Nff was ready to go ahead play that Afcon qualifier, was it not someone on this thread that brought the attention of everyone on the South Africans fielding a suspended player? So it’s obvious nff don’t pay attention to details and we as fans have this superiority complex that we can win on the pitch always no matter the happenings off the pitch. Our players were kicked all over in the final in 2023 while the ref looked away but instead we blamed our players for not winning, in the recent afcon in semi final the ref spoiled our transition play with his dubious officiating but instead we blamed our players again. Under our nose SA played most wcq games at home but we were making noise that we should be beating everyone no matter what.

Una never see anything yet. To win Afcon again or qualify for the World Cup will be a tall order if our Nff don’t sit up and know how to fight for our national interest. And we Nigerians should understand that corruption is now global and no longer a Nigerian problem alone the earlier we understand that the better. I congratulate the Moroccans honestly dem too sabi you don’t expect me to spend billions and not fight for what I think is lawfully mine. The Ivorians did it they just follow suit!

elyte89:
I want to ask a question Does the Court of Arbitration for Sport have an expedited procedure that allows it to decide cases within a single day, similar to the fast-tracked appeal decisions sometimes issued by the Confederation of African Football just like the Morocco 🇲🇦 and Senegal 🇸🇳 case ….dts the only way out to get something out of Nigeria petition

@Coachy ,Jokes apart, I truly admire your never-say-die spirit. That’s the kind of energy every young person should have — the courage to keep pushing until every barrier is broken. But honestly, it feels like this DRC barrier is being backed by FIFA itself.

Amedino99:
The timing excuse does not fly im afraid. If the timing was the issue, south africa shouldn't have been deducted any points at all.

FIFA doesn't want to be embarrassed by the can of worms a positive ruling will open.

Can we start our own protest the NFF board must be dissolved now for incompetence.

Damioduso1:
NFF x DRC Protest - This is a scandal: A must-read with a proper context ⬇️

By Kunle Solaja.

Nigeria’s hopes of returning to the FIFA World Cup have finally collapsed after it emerged that the country’s protest against the eligibility of some players used by the Democratic Republic of Congo in last year’s African play-off was dismissed on procedural grounds. Sports

The protest followed Nigeria’s defeat to the DR Congo national football team in the decisive African play-off match for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, played on November 16, 2025, at the Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco. The match ended 1–1 after regulation and extra time before the Congolese side prevailed in a sudden-death penalty shootout.

In the weeks after the match, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) raised concerns about the eligibility of several Congolese players, alleging irregularities in the issuance of passports that enabled them to feature in the encounter.

However, an inside source within FIFA, the world football governing body, has disclosed that the Nigerian protest did not meet the procedural requirements for it to be considered by FIFA’s judicial bodies.

According to the source, the NFF’s complaint was received by FIFA on November 28, 2025, nearly two weeks after the match in Rabat.

Under the Regulations Governing the Preliminary Competition for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, protests regarding player eligibility must follow strict timelines.

“Article 8 of the FIFA World Cup Preliminary Competition Regulations outlines the strict procedures for filing match protests.”

Article 8 of the regulations stipulates that any protest must first be communicated to the match commissioner within two hours of the completion of the match, and then followed by a detailed written submission within 24 hours.

The article states:
“Protests regarding the eligibility of players selected for matches in the preliminary competition shall be submitted in writing within two hours of the match and followed by a full written report within 24 hours.”

Because Nigeria’s protest was submitted on November 28 for a match played on November 16, it fell well outside the allowable window.

The source further revealed that the mandatory protest fee of 1,000 Swiss francs, which must accompany such submissions, was also not paid. As a result, the case was not formally processed by FIFA’s judicial bodies.

“The appeal that was widely reported was never actually entertained by the FIFA judicial authorities because it did not meet the procedural requirements,” the source explained, adding that the NFF was formally informed of the situation on March 9, 2026.

It took another week before the body made the decision known, indirectly with a claim of appeal of the judgment.

Simple Protest, our NFF no Sabi. Lord have mercy

Fernandez, Otele and Sor on the list.

Osimhen notably missing. Arokodare not able to break back in.

Hopeful Nnadi and the Crystal Palace guy sort out their now regrettable sojourn.

FIFA citing technicalities could be a face saving measure. Same technicalities were breached in the Mokoena case but they still ruled against SA. The DRC case is a very tricky one and any judgement that goes against the result on the pitch requires irrefutable evidence.

Like I mentioned, wouldn't be surprised if FIFA amends their Statutes to provide clarity for future cases.

The big irony for me is the fact that Nigeria helped SA reach the world cup while losing out in the end. We should have allowed Benin qualify instead.

FIFA did what I expected them to do. They followed the example of the Nigerian supreme court - ignore the main issue and rule on technicalities. To be fair, the was the smartest thing for FIFA to do, even more smart was to delay the decision to make it almost impossible for Nigeria to go a favourable decision at CAS due to time constraint.

From the beginning, I've always emphasized that on paper Nigeria had a case, but ruling in Nigeria's favour was setting a precedent that FIFA quite frankly isn't ready for. The ripple effect could be so monumental I wouldn't be surprised if there are multiple teams guilty of the same infraction should it have gone Nigeria's way. The best outcome for FIFA was to sidestep the issue and wriggle out of it using technicalities.

lovewins:
FIFA did what I expected them to do. They followed the example of the Nigerian supreme court - ignore the main issue and rule on technicalities. To be fair, the was the smartest thing for FIFA to do, even more smart was to delay the decision to make it almost impossible for Nigeria to go a favourable decision at CAS due to time constraint.

From the beginning, I've always emphasized that on paper Nigeria had a case, but ruling in Nigeria's favour was setting a precedent that FIFA quite frankly isn't ready for. The ripple effect could be so monumental I wouldn't be surprised if there are multiple teams guilty of the same infraction should it have gone Nigeria's way. The best outcome for FIFA was to sidestep the issue and wriggle out of it using technicalities.

If Jamaica 🇯🇲 lose dt match ,I can bet Dey would reopen the case ..who no wan go World Cup 😃


Nff really exposed FIFA with this petition

caprikon:
FIFA citing technicalities could be a face saving measure. Same technicalities were breached in the Mokoena case but they still ruled against SA. The DRC case is a very tricky one and any judgement that goes against the result on the pitch requires irrefutable evidence.

Like I mentioned, wouldn't be surprised if FIFA amends their Statutes to provide clarity for future cases.

The big irony for me is the fact that Nigeria helped SA reach the world cup while losing out in the end. We should have allowed Benin qualify instead.

Difference is Mokoena's case has no ripple effect. Even if it occurs again, it will only affect the team in question. Congo's case however could potentially affect multiple teams. Pretty sure there are players in multiple teams who are playing for teams with strict nationality rules like Congo, the reason we are yet to know is that no one has been motivated enough to go looking. Sidestepping the issue is the best outcome for FIFA, and I agree with you they'll likely amend their statute and provide clarity on this moving forward.

Should they amend their statuteI don't expect anything to change policy wise, they'll just codify what already happened with Congo.

elyte89:
If Jamaica 🇯🇲 lose dt match ,I can bet Dey would reopen the case ..who no wan go World Cup 😃


Nff really exposed FIFA with this petition

NFF was just grasping at straws to be honest. The only reason NFF had a case was because FIFA's status was silent on the matter. If not, if you consider other world sporting bodies, this is no case at all. China has some of the strictest citizenship status in the world, yet World athletics allows for athletes to represent a country without strict consideration for Citizenship laws. Eileen Gu recently got into trouble in the US for the same reason, she grew up in the US, went to college there but decided to represent China professionally. Many US citizens were angry with her and petitioned for her to be striped of her citizenship cause while US allowed dual citizenship, China doesn't. World Athletics ais quite flexible with this. Favour Ofili recently changed allegaince from Nigeria to Turkey even though she has no relation to Turkey.

Point is, FIFA has some of the strictest eligibility criteria in world sports and NFF only took advantage of FIFA's policy silence on a peculiar case. Should FIFA amend their status, I don't expect them to be stricter, they'll only codify what DR Congo did, by not insisting on players lose citizenship of one country to represent another. They'll properly codify a waiver as long as you can prove parental ties to said country.

Instead of suspending Senegalese players and officials, they stripped Senegal of the title. Motsepe is a joke.

23 SUPER EAGLES FOR FRIENDLIES MATCHES AGAINST IRAN & JORDAN


Summary:
Maduka Okoye and Adeleye Adebayo returns

Victor Osimhen and Stanley Nwabali missing

Emmanuel Fernandez, Philip Otele and Yira Sor earns call up

Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece); Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus)

Defenders: Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Emmanuel Fernandez (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland)

Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Coventry FC, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy)

Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atletico Madrid, Spain); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England); Simon Moses (Paris FC, France); Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain); Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor AS, Turkey); Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain); Philip Otele (Hamburger SV, Germany); Collins Yira Sor (KRC Genk, Belgium)