Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, says Nigeria’s chances of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup remain alive as the country awaits FIFA’s final decision on its protest against DR Congo.
The Nigeria Football Federation submitted a complaint to FIFA, alleging that DR Congo used ineligible players during the African play-off final.
Concern grew among Nigerian football fans after FIFA recently released details of the intercontinental playoffs, listing DR Congo among the six teams expected to compete for the final two places in the expanded tournament.
However, Dikko said the listing does not mean FIFA has already decided the case.
Speaking to The Guardian, the NSC chairman explained that FIFA has not yet delivered its verdict and that the authorities in Nigeria are monitoring the situation closely.
“As far as we know, FIFA is yet to give its verdict. We are monitoring the situation closely,” Dikko said.
“The fact that DR Congo appears among the six nations to compete for the final two spots in the playoff is not enough to jump to the conclusion that FIFA has thrown out Nigeria’s petition.”
He added that FIFA usually communicates such decisions directly to the parties involved, noting that DR Congo’s presence in the fixture list simply reflects that the matter has not yet been resolved.
Dikko expressed confidence that Nigeria would win the eligibility case and urged fans to remain calm while waiting for FIFA’s decision.
“We are very hopeful that Nigeria will win the eligibility case, and the Super Eagles will proceed to play in the playoff, and possibly make the World Cup party,” he said.
“I want all Nigerians to remain calm and wait for the final verdict.”
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