The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, has said Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup are still alive.
According to Dikko, the country has not given up on returning to the qualification race despite recent developments that appeared to favour the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Earlier this week, reports suggested the Super Eagles’ hopes were over after FIFA unveiled details of the upcoming intercontinental playoffs. In the announcement, DR Congo appeared among the six teams set to battle for the final two spots at the expanded tournament.
In an official accreditation notice to the media, FIFA also explained the format of the competition and confirmed the six countries that will take part in the playoff tournament in Mexico. However, Dikko said the listing of DR Congo does not mean FIFA has already made a final decision on Nigeria’s complaint.
Speaking to The Guardian, the country’s top sports administrator said Nigeria is still awaiting FIFA’s official verdict.
“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 spots in the playoff is not enough to conclude 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.”
Dikko added that FIFA normally informs all parties involved before making a final ruling in such sensitive matters.
“The FIFA we all know has channels for communicating such sensitive information to the parties involved. The name of DR Congo appears on the fixtures for now because the matter 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. I want all Nigerians to remain calm and wait for the final verdict.”
The Super Eagles initially saw their qualification hopes dashed in November after losing to DR Congo in a tense continental playoff decided by penalties.
Shortly after the match, however, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) lodged a formal protest with FIFA, alleging that DR Congo fielded ineligible players during the encounter.
If FIFA rules in Nigeria’s favour, the result could be overturned, potentially eliminating DR Congo from the playoff route and giving Nigeria another chance to fight for a place at the World Cup.
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