Nigeria alleged that DRC had fielded ineligible players in a World Cup playoff, a match that resulted in Nigeria being knocked out of the race for the 2026 World Cup. I have demonstrated elsewhere how African football federations were not formed as just sporting entities which met technical footballing standards. The World Cup, which had 16 teams in 1974 and 1978, expanded to 24 in 1982, doubling Africa’s representation from one place to two. What is peculiar in world football compared to the Olympics for example, is the make up of who has the votes. Josimar will regularly open its columns to independent guest contributors who wish to comment on the most pressing issues in world football.

Source: The North Africa Journal March 27, 2026 12:08 UTC