₦airaland Forum

yinkeys:
They let DRC control the game totally once Osimhen came off
Alex Iwobi caused the goal we conceded, I think he was tired in the game. If players are in an unsettling position the best solution was to kick the ball to throw in (break opposition momentum) rather than lose the ball when the team was off balance.
Can’t we play very well without high presser Osimhen ?
I don’t even think Akor Adams can function as a lone high pressing striker, there has to be someone with him
I don’t think Dessers would shine against rugged African teams
I haven’t seen any fantastic performance from Onuachu for Nigeria, I’d have preferred Arokodare but relégation bound Wolves need him more right now
Creative Central midfield & Defense could be the downfall of this team. No quality bench options
Cameroun & Jamaica stand in our FIFA WC ticket
We aren’t even confident of beating both to get to the mundial

I watched the highlights of the Cameroun vs DR Congo play-off semi-final game today, and I was so impressed by Cameroun.

They played with so much gusto and determination, and did not wilt at any point in the game unlike the Super Eagles On the balance of play, they were even the better team.

If FIFA rules in our favour (which I consider highly unlikely), I am not even confident we can defeat Cameroun.

yinkeys:
Eerm sorry
Pls are you a mo.d ?

Yes.

QueenJazz:
The lethargy and slow pace of their gameplay, capped off with their r3 tarded backpassing pisses me off more than anything. Even in the Benin game, if it wasn't for Osimhen (and Chukwueze to an extent), we won't even be talking about playoffs. It was three goals he hustled that boosted our chances before Onyeka scored that final crucial goal.

Whenever they score, they sit back and start lazying about, like there's nothing at stake.

The most annoying part is that I can't really blame them. The NFF have mishandled things so poorly that these players might low-key feel like we need them more than they need us. Afterall what do we have? How many superstars can we produce from our local league? Which of our NPFL players right now can realistically walk into the Super Eagles starting 11 without a sweat?

On top of all this, the NFF doesn't accord them due respect. Of course, they'll keep playing matches like they don't give a damn.

Post unblocked from spambot and unbanned

In all this, I'll apportion most of the blame to the players.

We had so many lifelines during the qualifiers.

1. SA fielding an ineligible player, and the anticipated 3 points and 3 goals deduction. The team just had to win against Zimbabwe but we blew that chance.

2. Beat SA away. They couldn't do that too.

3. Win the African Play-Off qualifiers but they blew that too.

I doubt they even care as much as we the fans do about going to the world cup.

Odunayaw:
😆😆

FIFA seems to be in a dilemma to me. If they sanction DRC, they can expect a flurry of petitions. If they don't, everybody hires mercenaries.

Hmmm, the mercenaries must still have ties to the countries they're switching to. But you're right.

I think allowing DRC to go through, and years later quietly strengthening the eligibility requirement when the whole furore has died down is the better option.

To be clear, the major thrust of NFF's petition is that DR Congo FA knowingly withheld relevant information (lying by omission) and misled FIFA into clearing those players. Spot and know the difference.

Goke7:
That’s why for so many years DRC mostly feature home based players especially in Afcon and have struggled to qualify for the World Cup despite having so much talent in the diaspora. The one they have managed to achieve has exposed their criminal and corrupt tendencies.

True. Most of their players were from TP Mazembe, AS Vita Club and DC Motema Pembe due to that dual-nationality restriction.

Goke7:
Exactly it will make FIFA to tighten up its rules around nationality which in fairness to them they have in the last recent years but the remaining loophole which countries like Congo has exploited needs to be addressed once and for all.

I doubt any of these dual-nationality players will renounce their European nationalities just to go to the world cup.

I believe the NFF has a legal department.

I believe the NFF consulted experienced and reputable lawyers before filing this petition.

I also believe those lawyers advised that the petition had merit and a reasonable chance of success. You do not file at this level on vibes.

It is telling that the petition rests on DR Congo misleading FIFA into clearing ineligible players, and not domestic constitutional rules on dual nationality. Clearly, this no be beer-parlour talk or social media noise. NFF did not wake up bored. Lawyers were involved. Strategy was mapped out. Risks were weighed.

FIFA now sits in a tight corner. If the ruling favours DR Congo, FIFA effectively opens the door for players from countries that prohibit dual nationality to ignore domestic nationality laws without consequence.

If FIFA rules in Nigeria’s favour, it will be forced to confront a loophole it has tolerated for years and tighten enforcement around nationality declarations and clearance processes.

Either way, FIFA ends up shaping the rules, not hiding behind procedure and the world awaits..........

Why does FIFA take so long to decide cases though?

Emilie Nsue made his debut for Equatorial Guinea in 2013 but it wasn't until 2024 that FIFA came out with their ruling that he was ineligible.

The SA-Mokoena issue, as open and shut as it was, it took months before SA were docked the 3 points and 3 goals.

Now this Malaysia issue, the petition was filed in June but FIFA just released their ruling December 17.

What are they investigating and verifying that takes so long? Make dem sha do fast in this DR Congo case make we know our fate by the end of January latest.

charlesemeka85:
🟡🔴 Galatasaray has added Göztepe's midfielder Anthony Dennis to its agenda.

👤 The 21-year-old is also being eyed by Leipzig and Union Berlin.

(A Spor)

Great news. I rate this guy die. He's very enterprising and would have been a great addition to the AFCON squad.

Papi85:
I wish I can share the level of progress the NFF has made on this DR Congo 🇨🇩 case.

The same DR Congo people that said Nigeria didn't have a good case are now afraid of losing the slot to Super Eagles 🇳🇬🦅.

Exciting days ahead!!!

From X 😊

This is nothing but engagement farming.

We submitted a petition with documented evidence against DR Congo and FIFA is currently investigating.

FIFA does not have a platform for countries to track the level of progress of their petition investigations.

FIFA does not give stage-by-stage/phase-by-phase account or report on their ongoing investigations.

FIFA will take a decision at the end of their investigation and release a ruling backed by reasons.

So what exactly does the writer mean by the level of progress the NFF has made?

Make una no put mind for this petition. I don't see it pulling through. Concentrate on AFCON.

GloriousGbola:
we are already hated

there was a thread on reddit where other africans were jubilaiting and shitting on us after we crashed out

True egbon.

NFF General Secretary speaking on the issue.

NFF Lodges Official Petition with FIFA Over DR Congo's Use of Ineligible Players in World Cup Playoffs

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, confirmed to journalists on Tuesday that the federation has submitted a formal protest to FIFA,… pic.twitter.com/9IP66ilXEG

— Imran Muhammad (@Imranmuhdz) December 16, 2025

The only way that I see congo getting out of these is for the aforementioned players clearly indicating with Documented evidence of their Renouncing their other national team passport with evidence. For example, Aaron wan bissaka has to disclose with documentation of his renounciation of his British passport prior to November

Copied
11

Godx:
If congo says those players are eligible and FIFA approved their eligibility then Nigeria has no case.

Eligibility is just one of the allegations, amd for this DRC must provide documented proof of the players renouncing their foreign citizenship before they were cleared by FIFA.

The second and stronger allegation I gather is hinged on documents falsification by one of the foreign-born players.

Anyways, FIFA is investigating so make we dey look.

Nigeria will become the most hated country in Africa if this scales through and we make it to the world cup.

Summary: In the DR Congo Constitution, you can't hold dual nationality. You gats renounce your other nationality to take up theirs.

Apparently, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and other dual-nationals never renounced their other nationalities. FIFA is currently investigating and a verdict is expected soon.

Eligibility Dispute: DR Congo Misled FIFA In Player Clearance Process - NFF

By Niyi Busari

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that it has submitted a formal petition to FIFA over the alleged use of ineligible players by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) during their decisive clash with Nigeria in the CAF playoff for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Nigeria’s qualification hopes have been revived after FIFA opened an investigation into the eligibility of several DR Congo players who featured in the playoff final, which the Super Eagles lost on penalties. The match determined Africa’s representative for the intercontinental playoff, and the result is now under review following allegations of regulatory breaches.

Speaking on the matter, NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, said FIFA may have been misled by the DR Congo Football Association during the player clearance process.

“FIFA was deceived into clearing those players because it is not FIFA’s responsibility to interpret or enforce domestic citizenship laws,” Sanusi said. “DR Congo law does not permit dual citizenship, yet some of the players involved reportedly hold dual nationality.”

According to the NFF, FIFA approved the players based on documentation and assurances provided by the DR Congo federation, as FIFA regulations allow players to represent a country if they hold a valid passport. However, Nigeria’s complaint alleges that the clearance process itself may have been fraudulent, given potential conflicts with Congolese nationality laws.

“It is not FIFA’s duty to know the domestic laws of every country,” Sanusi added. “That is why we formally drew FIFA’s attention to the issue and we are now awaiting their verdict.”

The investigation is believed to centre on up to nine DR Congo players who allegedly switched national allegiance without fully completing the legal and administrative requirements stipulated by both Congolese law and FIFA statutes.

While possession of a passport is a key requirement under FIFA rules, it does not automatically guarantee eligibility. Players must also comply with domestic legal provisions and FIFA’s regulations governing changes of association.

Reports indicate that some of the affected players may not have finalised the necessary processes before representing DR Congo in the qualifiers.

FIFA is understood to be examining the matter closely, with possible outcomes ranging from match forfeiture to other disciplinary measures, depending on the findings. A complete disqualification from international competition remains unlikely but has not been ruled out.

Should DR Congo be sanctioned, the NFF says it is unclear whether Nigeria would automatically advance to the intercontinental playoff in Mexico or be required to contest another qualifying match.

Nigeria, meanwhile, remains on standby as it awaits FIFA’s final decision on the case.

GrammarNazi1:
There are several reasons why cement prices have gone up. The two reasons you gave are not the main reasons. Inflation resulting from fuel price hike and the far weaker Naira is one of the main reasons.

Baba, na the root cause be that.

Dangote and BUA operate a business model of lobbying government to ban importation OR tariffing imports and then pricing their locally manufactured version at the price of the imported version with the added cost of import tariffs and duties.

In essence, [b]PRICE OF LOCAL VERSION = PRICE OF FOREIGN VERSION + IMPORT TARIFFS AND DUTIES[/b. Invariably, their price is not determined by their production

For enlightenment and better understanding of the racket, pls read the links below

https://www.1914reader.com/p/the-king-of-food

https://www.1914reader.com/p/food-is-ready

Also watch the videos in the link below for more context.

https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSPfmRUo1/

https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSPfmmS9M/

OkpaNsukkaisBae:
It's not like dangote refinery alone can service our domestic needs. Nigeria neva develop reach the level wey we go enact extreme protectionist laws that will discourage importation. Na so Buhari do with rice ban, even local rice come expensive pass foreign rice.
Going personal to attack Farouk cox his kids is schooling abroad is lame. Most Naija high ranking public officials have their kids studying in the West . Farouk own is not an exception.

Even fish wey hook while swallowing bait on fishing hook go struggle until hin escape but our brother Monerrozzi, mba o. Hin must to die there.

This same imported rice ban vs local rice production thing, me and him don knock heads for this thread before.

semid4lyfe: Buhari banned the importation of rice, and the rice farmers who applauded the policy, and boasted they had the capacity to meet local demand jacked up the price.

Then, fuel never cost like now o. Transportation too was cheaper, exchange rate was less the N1000 so fertilizer and other imported farm inputs were more affordable. .

Yet, wetin happen? Price of 50kg bag of rice went north of 100k, making it unaffordable for many Nigerians.

Many times, when some prominent peeps rail against a government policy, check well, na because their pockets dey affected, and not because they care about the common man.

semid4lyfe: What's the essence of digging up my old post? Anyways, it seems the point of my post flew over your head so make I break am down.

Yes, the state I reside produces rice so we don't consume imported rice in the state.
But when PMB banned the importation of rice, and the price of a 50kg bag of rice shot up to over 100k in the country, it had an effect on the price of our local rice too. The prices mirror each other, and follow the same trend only that the local is cheaper. For example, if imported rice is going for 130k, local rice will be 100k.

Also, note that when the price rose to over 100k per 50kg bag, the exchange rate was lower so invariably fertilizers and imported inputs were more affordable than now. Subsidy had not been removed then so fuel and transportation was cheaper too.

This begs the question, why was the local rice more expensive then when the factors of production were cheaper than now when things don cost? Then, I'll go to the rice mill to buy rice, and the sellers will say to me, "Buhari close border, that na why the price go up", and I'll reply "but this rice is produced here na". I later concluded it was the Nigerian factor.

Trust me, whatever the price of maize is right now, if PBAT bans the importation and we rely solely on local production, the price will triple in about a month.

No body dey chop GDP. I'll rather the government policy benefit the masses than increase GDP.

Dangote must not be allowed to run a monopoly in fuel. Let him compete with the importers.

Cement prices are so expensive today because importation was banned and the country relies completely on locally manufactured cement.

The same must not be allowed to happen in the petroleum sector.

I no dey waste time to unblock D.i.s.s.T.r.o.y's post because hin dey give premium gbas gbos.

monerozi5590:
Corrupt business man how. No sensible government will not support local investments and all. It will solve lots of issues.

Pray tell. how is it a problem for Dangote to compete with imported fuel?

WarHammer2000:
Who remember say we get match today?😁

Not interested. I'll tune in when AFCON starts

Odunayaw:
WC is far away June. Enough time for Ekong to rethink (though idc for his return) and Okoye to play himself back to the team ([b]though I think he is a freeloade[/b]r)

You're right about Maduka being a freeloader. For pulling such a stunt at this critical juncture, I don't want to see Maduka in the Super Eagles ever again.

QueenJazz:
It is what it is. Ekong has to stay put no matter what. He retired on a high note with mountains of accolades from his peers. All of that would be watered down and rendered nonsensical if he returns.

Sis, you know say hin eye go dey shook to go world cup.

What of weak mentality fine boy Maduka Okoye?

monerozi5590:
Someone is contributing immensely to the progression of our Economy. Employment and all, scholarship and project.

A government official that will steal and enrich other economy without contributing anything to the economy not even Sokoto his state is trying to frustrate someone else's business. Nonsense.

You don swallow Alhaji Aliko's bobo hook line and sinker.

If (a very big if) FIFA suspends DR Congo and Nigeria eventually makes it to the world cup

1. Will Troost-Ekong come out of retirement to play in the world cup?

2. How will Maduka Okoye be feeling with his decision to opt out of the AFCON and the possibility of the coach axing him from the team and not selecting him for America?

I imagine both would have conflicted emotions, and be ruing their decisions.

nihilistjnr:
Dangote is a Nairalander for sure. This is expert level digging. Even Diggz no excavate reach this level.

The education costs are on point though. Swiss schooling is no joke. A guy I used to work for sent his daughter to private school in Switzerland and following his divorce used to complain that he was paying around £250k per year for her school fees and was still dragging parental rights with the mum, after also being kicked out of his marital home by the courts.

Switzerland has a reputation for some elite really expensive schools. Whats their USP?

TemporaryHansel:
People who complain about corruption in this country only do so when it doesn't favor them....

Pray tell, how is this corruption?

BlueRayDick:
It is that 15% import tax reversal that is making Dangote running kiti-kiti for the past few months.

Dangote reduces fuel to N739.
Importers and Private Depot Operators reduce to N710.

Wonderful!

Importation must continue and Dangote must not be given the monopoly he craves.

It's because of competition in the sector that fuel is being sold at N700+, not because of Dangote's benevolence or philanthropy.

Even when the other refineries come on board. make dem no stop importation.

izzou:
Fuel dropping to 700+

Make we use that one hold body small

Na greek gift.

A few months ago, I would have joined many people in blindly supporting Dangote. Like most Nigerians, I saw him only as a patriotic investor trying to save the country. However, the issue between Dangote and his workers opened my eyes, because I had first hand information about what was really happening behind the scenes.

There is no doubt that Dangote is a highly respected figure in Nigeria. That respect is well deserved in many areas. However, it is also important to say the truth, the man lies a lot. He often makes claims that are not accurate and does so very casually. He then hides behind his $20bn dollar investment, fully aware of how emotionally attached Nigerians are to the refinery. Many Optimistic Nigerians genuinely believe that Nigeria’s economic recovery depends solely on that refinery, and Alhaji Dangote understands this very well. He consistently exploits that sentiment to gain public sympathy, while portraying anyone who stands in his way (for right or wrong reasons) as an enemy of Nigeria or a saboteur of the Nigerian economy.

This is not me trying to defend Umar Farouq of NMDPRA. Rather, it is me trying to help people understand the kind of game Aliko Dangote plays. During his saga with PENGASSAN, he announced a reduction in PMS price, a move that has had no real effect till today. That announcement was not about helping Nigerians, it was about public perception. It was designed to make him look good and generate enough sympathy to weaken and eventually crush the engineers who were simply standing up for themselves and asking for a better pay. Unfortunately, that strategy worked perfectly, and he branded the innocent guys as saboteurs, and now his new engineers will collect every pittance he pays them unchallenged.

As NUPENG rightly pointed out, Dangote is fond of giving what can best be described as Greek gifts. This is exactly what we are witnessing again. A few weeks ago, NMDPRA posted an infographics that shows that the Dangote Refinery could not meet the PMS supply needs of the Nigerian market. This led the Federal Government to reverse the 15% import duty on PMS, it was also exposed that the refinery is, in practice, not very different from the blending arrangements he accuses NNPC refineries of operating.

The moment I saw I know Aliko is coming to blackmail somebody, and he didn’t disappoint, because shortly after, Dangote announced a 100 billion naira education intervention, followed by another announcement of PMS price reduction. Suddenly, after successfully washing his image and securing public sympathy, he has now turned his attention to Farouq of NMDPRA, attempting to paint him as corrupt or incompetent. Again, this is not me defending Farouq or claiming he is not corrupt. My position is simple, I do not believe Dangote’s narrative, because history has shown that he lies frequently and relies heavily on the gullibility and emotional reactions of Nigerians.

Finally, I find it extremely difficult to believe that there is any secondary school anywhere that charges five million dollars as school fees. That claim alone should make people pause and question the sincerity of everything being said

Credit: Imran U Wakili on X
.

monerozi5590:
I am sorry, I didn't know. Thank you for the clarification

Rule of thumb. You drop a post and its immediately blocked and you're banned, it's the spambot.

No human moderator is online 24/7 and will act that fast.

izzou:
Dangote, we thank you oh!
Tinubu, we thank you oh!

Wetin you dey thank Alhaji and PBAT for?

monerozi5590:
Why are you people hiding my post because I came very hard on most Fulani people.

Spambot blocked your post.

Rather than throw spurious accusations around, a simple "Semid4lyfe unblock my post" will suffice.

Amoto94:
Just IN:— Indian Chief Minister Nitish Kumar forcibly pulls down the veil of a Muslim woman doctor while handing out appointment letter in a ceremony.

Just IN:— Indian Chief Minister Nitish Kumar forcibly pulls down the veil of a Muslim woman doctor while handing out appointment letter in a ceremony. pic.twitter.com/SCEeX6PCEc

— South Asia Index (@SouthAsiaIndex) December 15, 2025

What is the meaning of this? So disappointing.,....