The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, has said Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are still alive despite recent developments suggesting otherwise.
Dikko explained that Nigeria has not abandoned its pursuit of a place in the qualification race, even after reports indicated that the Democratic Republic of Congo national football team had been listed among teams expected to feature in the intercontinental playoffs.
Earlier in the week, reports claimed that the Nigeria national football team, popularly known as the Super Eagles, had lost their chances of progressing after FIFA released details of the upcoming playoff tournament. In the announcement, DR Congo was included among six teams expected to compete for the final two slots at the expanded World Cup.
In an official accreditation notice to the media, FIFA outlined the format of the intercontinental playoff and confirmed the six countries expected to participate in the tournament scheduled to take place in Mexico.
However, Dikko insisted that the listing of DR Congo does not mean FIFA has reached a final decision regarding Nigeria’s complaint.
Speaking to The Guardian, the NSC chairman said Nigeria is still awaiting FIFA’s official verdict on the matter.
“As far as we know, FIFA is yet to give its verdict,” Dikko said. “We are monitoring the situation closely.
“The fact that DR Congo appears among the six nations to compete for the final two playoff spots is not enough to conclude that FIFA has dismissed Nigeria’s petition. Some countries are also preparing for friendly matches. Things will become clearer once FIFA releases its verdict.”
Dikko further noted that FIFA typically communicates its decisions to all parties involved before making a final ruling on such sensitive issues.
“The FIFA we know has established channels for conveying such important information to the parties concerned. DR Congo’s name appears in the fixtures for now because the matter before FIFA has not yet been resolved.
“We are very hopeful that Nigeria will win the eligibility case and the Super Eagles will move on to compete in the playoff and possibly qualify for the World Cup. I urge Nigerians to remain calm and wait for the final decision.”
Nigeria’s qualification hopes had earlier suffered a setback in November after the Super Eagles lost to DR Congo in a tense continental playoff decided by penalties.
Following the match, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) submitted a formal protest to FIFA, alleging that DR Congo fielded ineligible players during the encounter.
Should FIFA rule in Nigeria’s favour, the result could be overturned, potentially disqualifying DR Congo from the playoff route and giving Nigeria another opportunity to compete for a place at the 2026 World Cup.
