Ex-Super Eagles star plays down Nigeria’s hopes as FIFA rules on crucial World Cup case

Former Super Eagles star Peter Ijeh has played down hopes of a dramatic turnaround in the Super Eagles’ World Cup qualification battle, Afrik-Foot reports.

Ijeh, who played five games for the Super Eagles in the early 2000s, says he does not expect a major ruling in Nigeria’s favour from FIFA.

The Super Eagles are still waiting for a decision on a petition filed by the Nigeria Football Federation against Democratic Republic of the Congo over alleged player ineligibility during their African play-off final.

#Nigeria’s Peter Ijeh turns 4️⃣7️⃣ today🎈

Scored 24 goals for @Malmo_FF to emerge top scorer in the 2002 Swedish @AllsvenskanSE league.

Made in AJ City. Starred for NITEL Utd before joining Julius Berger.

Biggest African/Nigerian name in the Scandinavia.pic.twitter.com/7CALWTEDy6

— Olúwashínà Òkélèjì (@oluwashina) March 28, 2024

Ijeh believes football authorities usually lean towards fines rather than ordering replays or overturning results, and feels the process has already dragged on too long for any major intervention.

“I think every organization is going for the fine of a thing to fine the FA and players (involved),” Ijeh told Brila.

“So the replay of a thing I do not see that coming because if replay should have been the solution FIFA should have come out to say because of this and this there should be a replay and it should be fixed.

“We are in 2026 already we are talking about the FIFA World Cup in the next few months. June, July time factor is against every protest also the trouble regarding ICE even countries want to boycott the World Cup they have pushed FIFA to the point where decisions have to be made but for the protest of a thing I think it is late.”

Despite his doubts, anticipation remains high across Nigeria as a ruling is finally expected.

NFF, Super Eagles confident as FIFA prepares to rule

The dispute stems from Super Eagles’ dramatic defeat to DR Congo last November in Morocco, where the match ended 1-1 after extra time before the Congolese side won 4-3 on penalties. That defeat crushed Nigeria’s hopes of automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

The NFF later lodged a formal protest, claiming six DR Congo players were not eligible after recently switching international allegiance.

FIFA has been reviewing the complaint and is now expected to deliver its verdict.

NFF General Secretary Dr Mohammed Sanusi remains convinced Nigeria have a strong case.

“We have a good case,” Sanusi said. “As far as we are concerned, we have a strong case, and we are awaiting FIFA’s decision on the complaints we have lodged.“

Officials at Nigeria’s National Sports Commission have also expressed confidence, believing a favourable ruling could send the Super Eagles back into the Intercontinental Play-Off next month.

Nigeria have not appeared at the World Cup since Russia 2018 after failing to qualify for the 2022 edition in Qatar.