Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory Football Association, Mukhtar Muhammad, has stated that a favourable verdict for Nigeria in its appeal against the Democratic Republic of Congo would go beyond footballing benefits and send a strong message across the continent on compliance with player eligibility rules.
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Speaking ahead of the expected decision by FIFA, Mukhtar said such a ruling would reinforce the importance of due process in nationality switches and player registration across African football.
“It won’t just be a boost for Nigeria if the appeal goes our way,” Mukhtar said.
“It will send a clear message across Africa that issues of player nationality, documentation and registration must be taken seriously.”
He explained that African football authorities must ensure proper paperwork and approvals are completed before players are cleared to represent national teams, warning that shortcuts could undermine the integrity of competitions.
“A verdict against DR Congo will remind every federation that compliance is not optional. Player allegiance changes must follow the right process, with all documents properly verified before approvals are granted,” he added.
Mukhtar further stressed that beyond the immediate implications of the appeal, the situation should encourage federations to strengthen administrative structures and avoid future controversies that could affect teams on and off the pitch.
“Football should be decided on the field. Strong administrative discipline helps protect the credibility of the game,” he concluded.
