Shehu Dikko, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), says Nigeria’s hopes of featuring at the 2026 World Cup now rest entirely with FIFA and its independent judicial bodies.
Dikko disclosed this after a high-level meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where he briefed the President on the unresolved petition filed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
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Nigeria’s football authorities had, in December 2025, lodged a formal complaint with FIFA, alleging that DR Congo fielded players who were ineligible under FIFA nationality regulations during last November’s African play-off final.
The petition centres on claims that some players held dual nationality, despite reports that DR Congo’s constitution does not recognise dual citizenship.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Dikko said the matter remains under review by FIFA’s relevant bodies, stressing that Nigeria has already presented what it believes is a strong legal case.
“From a competitive standpoint, the World Cup is closed for us, but the legal proceedings are ongoing. The relevant independent bodies within FIFA will make the final decision,” Dikko said.
He explained that Nigeria’s action should not be interpreted as poor sportsmanship but as a legitimate exercise of its rights within football’s regulatory framework.
“Ourselves and the NFF submitted to FIFA what we felt were breaches of the rules and regulations. It’s not about being sore losers; it’s just what it is.
“The relevant bodies of FIFA are dealing with it, and we are hoping that at any moment we will hear their decision. We are confident we have a good case,” he added.
