Gaye also noted that any party dissatisfied with FIFA’s ruling can escalate the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
By Kehinde Okeowo
Ivorian journalist Mamadou Gaye has urged Nigerians to remain patient as they await FIFA’s verdict regarding their petition against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The African football expert offered this advice during a recent episode of the Soccer Africa programme on SuperSport.
Nigeria suffered a painful penalty shootout defeat against DR Congo in a CAF playoff final for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Morocco.
However, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) subsequently lodged a formal protest with FIFA, alleging that the Leopards fielded ineligible players, including Axel Tuanzebe and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, during the encounter.
With less than three weeks remaining until the next international match window, world football’s governing body is yet to reach a decision.
ALSO READ: Real Madrid, Man City set for heavyweight showdown as UEFA confirms last-16 fixtures
Despite the anxiety felt by fans, players, and the NFF, Nigerians remain hopeful of a favourable ruling that could restore their path to the 2026 World Cup.
Reacting to the situation, Gaye reminded stakeholders that the decision to deduct three points from South Africa’s Bafana Bafana—for fielding ineligible player Teboho Mokoena in the 2026 qualifiers—was only finalised just before the final matches of Group C.
He stated: “Let’s wait for FIFA to make the decision. You must remember that the points taken away from Bafana Bafana happened at the last minute.”
Gaye further noted that any party dissatisfied with FIFA’s ruling still has the option to escalate the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Once FIFA reaches a final verdict, the successful party—either Nigeria or DR Congo—will face the winner of the playoff between New Caledonia and Jamaica. The victor of that subsequent match will secure a spot at the World Cup.
.){kind=link}