Veteran African football journalist Thomas Kwenaite has alleged that unseen forces within Fifa may be pushing for Nigeria's qualification for the 2026 World Cup, following controversies surrounding eligibility claims against rival teams South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

During the group stage of the qualifiers, Fifa deducted three points from South Africa for fielding ineligible player Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho.

Despite the sanction, Hugo Broos’ side still edged Nigeria to top spot in Group C, finishing with 18 points from ten matches—one more than the Super Eagles.

After a heartbreaking loss to DR Congo in the final of the African playoffs, Nigeria lodged a complaint with Fifa alleging ineligible dual-citizenship players, including Axel Tuanzebe and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, hoping the ruling could revive their 2026 World Cup qualification bid.

Kwenaite questioned how Nigeria repeatedly appeared to receive information concerning alleged ineligible players fielded by their rivals during the World Cup qualifiers. 

Speaking on SuperSport’s Soccer Africa, Kwenaite stated: "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?"

The seasoned journalist argued that the Super Eagles should accept the outcome of events on the pitch rather than rely on off-field developments.

"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."

Subject to Fifa's final ruling, DR Congo are scheduled to face the winner of the playoff between New Caledonia and Jamaica, with a World Cup berth at stake.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel