Shehu Dikko, Chairman of Nigeria’s National Sports Commission (NSC), has reaffirmed confidence in the country’s petition challenging DR Congo’s player eligibility in the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers, even as FIFA has not yet communicated a ruling.
The complaint was lodged after the Super Eagles’ playoff penalty defeat to DR Congo in November 2025, and Nigeria believes there were procedural breaches in the clearance of some Leopards players.
Dikko said that Nigeria and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) documented what they consider breaches of regulations and submitted their evidence to the relevant bodies within FIFA, which are now reviewing the case. He emphasised that no official verdict has been communicated to either federation yet, dismissing rumours of a premature decision.
While maintaining that the legal process is important, Dikko also stressed that the Super Eagles have “put the World Cup behind us” competitively and are focusing on upcoming tournaments, even as the petition remains under review.
Editorial
Nigeria’s ongoing eligibility appeal illustrates how football’s regulatory framework can extend qualification narratives beyond the pitch. Dikko’s assurance of confidence reflects the federation’s belief that detailed documentation and attention to procedural rules could influence FIFA’s decision although international sporting law is complex and often defers to established eligibility standards.
The fact that FIFA has not yet communicated a decision underscores how sensitive and intricate such disputes can be, especially when they involve interpretation of nationality and eligibility rules. For Nigerian supporters, the waiting period has been tense, but Dikko’s comments emphasise patience and procedural fairness rather than reactionary optimism.
Ultimately, whether this appeal alters Nigeria’s World Cup fate or not, it highlights the importance of due process in international competitions. The Super Eagles continue to prepare for other key fixtures and tournaments, demonstrating a broader commitment to progress beyond a single outcome.
Did You Know?
- Nigeria’s petition to FIFA challenges the eligibility of some DR Congo players following the 2026 World Cup playoff defeat.
- FIFA has not yet officially communicated any ruling on the case to either federation.
- The Super Eagles lost to DR Congo on penalties in November 2025, which ended their direct qualification hopes.
- The appeal centres on alleged conflicts between Congolese domestic nationality law and international eligibility regulations.
- Dikko said Nigeria has “a good case” but is prepared to focus on other competitions regardless of the outcome.
