How Former Super Eagles Coach Averted FIFA Ban Amid DR Congo Dispute
A close associate of former Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro has disclosed how his decisive actions prevented Nigeria from facing a FIFA ban during his tenure. This revelation comes as Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo are embroiled in a fierce controversy over allegedly ineligible players fielded during the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff final in Morocco.
Background of the Nigeria-DR Congo Eligibility Scandal
The encounter between Nigeria and DR Congo ended in a 1-1 draw after extra time, with the Leopards edging the Super Eagles 4-3 on penalties, thereby crushing Nigeria's hopes of reaching the intercontinental play-offs. In response, the Nigeria Football Federation filed a formal petition to FIFA, alleging that DR Congo used six players with dual citizenship in the playoffs.
DR Congo has vehemently rejected Nigeria's claims, arguing that FIFA's definition of sporting nationality, rather than domestic citizenship laws, should determine player eligibility. Nigerians are anxiously awaiting FIFA's verdict, with reports indicating that the FIFA Executive Members convened on Wednesday, February 18, to deliberate on the case.
Peseiro's Proactive Role in Preventing a Crisis
According to the source, Jose Peseiro took a bold step during the 2023 AFCON qualifiers when a player with dual nationality was called up to the Super Eagles squad. Before a crucial game, the technical crew received an urgent report revealing that the player possessed a passport from another country with a completely different name.
The player was summoned by the Nigeria Football Federation but failed to provide a credible defense. Consequently, the committee decided to exclude him from the team. The source emphasized that while the player had a Nigerian passport, it was obtained through dubious means, raising significant doubts about its legitimacy.
Journalist Praises Peseiro's Decision
Nigerian sports journalist Samuel Ayoola commended Peseiro's actions, stating that the former coach made the right decision and saved the country from potential embarrassment. In an exclusive interview, Ayoola explained that Nigerian fans would have reacted harshly if FIFA had sanctioned the country for fielding an ineligible player.
He drew parallels to a past incident involving Shehu Abdullahi during the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, highlighting the importance of such proactive measures. Ayoola's endorsement underscores the critical role of vigilance in international football to avoid severe penalties.
DR Congo's Efforts to Influence FIFA Verdict
In a related development, DR Congo has reportedly made a late move to sway FIFA's decision on Nigeria's petition. Sources indicate that the Congolese are leveraging the influence of CAF Secretary General Véron Mosengo-Omba, who is Congolese, to lobby for a favorable verdict from FIFA. This tactic adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing dispute, as both nations vie for a resolution that could impact their football futures.
The situation remains tense, with the football community closely monitoring FIFA's upcoming announcement. The actions of former coach Jose Peseiro serve as a reminder of the importance of integrity and due diligence in managing national teams, especially in high-stakes competitions like the World Cup qualifiers.
