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Veteran African football journalist Thomas Kwenaite has raised fresh questions over Nigeria’s troubled 2026 World Cup qualification campaign, Footynaija.com reports.
Kwenaite alleges that unseen forces within world football’s governing structures may be attempting to steer the Super Eagles back into contention, after a second failed attempt.
Nigeria’s campaign was derailed during the group stage despite Fifa docking South Africa three points for fielding ineligible midfielder Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho. Hugo Broos’ side still finished top of Group C with 18 points, one ahead of the Super Eagles.
After losing to DR Congo in the African playoff final, Nigeria submitted a complaint to Fifa, alleging that DR Congo fielded ineligible players, including Axel Tuanzebe and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Speaking on SuperSport’s Soccer Africa, Kwenaite questioned how Nigeria repeatedly appeared to receive information about rival teams’ eligibility issues.
Kwenaite opined: “I somehow get a feeling that there’s somebody higher up either in CAF or Fifa in particular who wants Nigeria at the World Cup by hook or crook.
“Who tipped Nigeria that South Africa fielded an ineligible player in Teboho Mokoena? Who tipped Nigeria again that the DR Congo have nine ineligible players?
“When they tipped them about South Africa, Nigeria still failed to qualify. They are now tipping them about the DR Congo. Heaven knows, I think Nigeria are clutching at straws.
“They lost on the field of play and must be gracious enough. They must be sportsmen enough to accept that this was not their time. Maybe the next World Cup, or the one after that, they will qualify.”
FIFA has yet to issue a final ruling on Nigeria’s complaint. DR Congo are currently scheduled to face the winner of the playoff between New Caledonia and Jamaica, with a World Cup place at stake.
