Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, has stated that things will change soon when FIFA gives its final verdict on Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup case against DR Congo.
According to Dikko, Nigeria’s chances of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup are still alive and will win the players’ eligibility case against DR Congo.
Recall that the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, had submitted a protest to FIFA, claiming that DR Congo used ineligible players in the African play-off final.
A few days ago, many Nigerians feared the Super Eagles’ dream had ended after FIFA released details of the upcoming intercontinental playoffs.
In the announcement, DR Congo were listed as one of the six teams expected to compete for the final two places in the expanded tournament.
However, Dikko believes the listing of DR Congo doesn’t mean that FIFA has already made a final decision on Nigeria’s complaint.
Speaking to The Guardian, Dikko said, “As far as we know, FIFA is yet to give its verdict. We are monitoring the situation closely.
“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. Some nations are also preparing for friendly matches. Things will change as soon as the FIFA verdict comes out.
“The FIFA we all know has a channel to pass such sensitive information across to the parties involved. The name of DR Congo appears on the fixtures for now because the matter brought before FIFA has not been decided.
“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. I want all Nigerians to remain calm and wait for the final verdict.”