Nigeria’s aspirations for the 2026 World Cup remain in the balance as the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, confirmed that the nation’s fate now rests with FIFA.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) lodged a formal protest with the global football governing body, alleging that DR Congo fielded ineligible players during their African play-off final encounter. This crucial match ultimately determined which nation would progress in the World Cup qualifiers.
Addressing journalists, after meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa on Thursday, Dikko provided an update on the ongoing legal tussle and the current status of the situation: “World Cup is a closed chapter for us competitively, but the legal matter is pending.” He further elaborated that the decision now lies with “the relevant independent bodies within FIFA.”
Despite the competitive chapter being seemingly closed, Dikko expressed a degree of optimism. He stated his hope that the Super Eagles could still be reinstated for the intercontinental play-offs scheduled for March, should FIFA rule in Nigeria’s favour regarding the alleged player ineligibility.
The footballing world now eagerly awaits FIFA’s verdict, which will definitively shape Nigeria’s path to the 2026 World Cup.
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