NFF Faces Fresh Criticism as Super Eagles Miss World Cup Despite FIFA Ruling

Nigeria’s football community remains in turmoil following FIFA’s final ruling on the Super Eagles’ World Cup eligibility saga — a decision that confirmed Nigeria’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite a petition against DR Congo over ineligible players. The Nigeria Football Federation had formally challenged Congo’s use of players it alleged did not meet eligibility requirements during the playoff, and FIFA levied a disciplinary fine on both associations following the controversy. However, the ruling ultimately did not resurrect Nigeria’s qualification hopes, leaving supporters and officials bitterly disappointed. Former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi has been outspoken in his criticism of the NFF’s management, recounting how he personally had to intervene to secure players’ bonuses at the 2018 World Cup. Meanwhile, head coach Éric Chelle has named a 23-man squad for upcoming international friendlies, with the Super Eagles set to face Iran on 27 March and Jordan on 31 March — fixtures relocated from Amman due to the Middle East conflict. There are notable first call-ups for defender Emmanuel Fernandez and forwards Philip Otele and Collins Yira Sor, while Chelle continues to push for a significant pay rise from $50,000 to $130,000 per month, a demand that the NFF has so far left unresolved.