National Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko has revealed that Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualification hopes now rest on a pending legal decision by FIFA regarding the alleged use of ineligible players by DR Congo.
The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, has confirmed that the final determination of Nigeria’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup is currently pending before world football’s governing body. Speaking to journalists on Thursday following a routine briefing with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Dikko clarified that while the team failed to secure a ticket on the pitch, a formal legal challenge is active. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) submitted a protest alleging that DR Congo utilized ineligible players during the decisive African play-off final held in November 2025.
The core of the Nigerian petition centers on claims that several dual-nationality players representing the Congolese side had not properly renounced their previous citizenships or met the specific eligibility criteria under both FIFA statutes and Congolese domestic law. Addressing the current status of the case, Dikko remarked: “World Cup is a closed chapter for us competitively, but the legal matter is pending. The relevant independent bodies within FIFA will decide.” He emphasized that the NSC is providing all necessary support to the NFF to ensure the legal process is followed to its logical conclusion.
Despite the uncertainty, the NSC chief expressed optimism that the Super Eagles could be reinstated in time for the intercontinental play-offs scheduled for late March 2026 in Mexico. If FIFA rules in favor of Nigeria, the result of the previous match could be overturned, potentially awarding the Super Eagles a 3-0 forfeit victory and a slot in the final qualifying tournament. For now, Dikko maintained that the administration is focused on long-term sports reforms while awaiting the verdict, stating that the commission is committed to upholding the integrity of the game.
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