Shehu Dikko clarifies Nigeria’s World Cup status

The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, has clarified that Nigeria remains expectant of a final verdict from FIFA, despite emerging reports that the world football governing body has provisionally confirmed DR Congo for the March 2026 World Cup inter-confederation play-offs in Mexico.

Speculation intensified on Wednesday, suggesting the Super Eagles’ hopes of featuring in the 2026 showpiece had been extinguished after FIFA listed the Leopards of DR Congo as Africa’s representative in the upcoming play-off tournament.

In an official accreditation notice issued to global media, FIFA outlined the competition format and included DR Congo among the six nations vying for the final two slots at the expanded tournament. The other participating nations listed include Bolivia, Iraq, Jamaica, New Caledonia, and Suriname.

Dikko’s Response to the FIFA Announcement

Speaking to The Guardian, Dikko explained that while DR Congo currently appears in the provisional lineup, it does not necessarily signal a dismissal of Nigeria’s ongoing eligibility challenge against the Congolese.

“As far as we are aware, FIFA is yet to deliver its formal verdict,” Dikko stated. “We are monitoring the situation with the utmost attention. The fact that DR Congo appears among the six nations scheduled to compete for the final two spots in the play-offs is not sufficient grounds to conclude that FIFA has thrown out Nigeria’s petition. Several nations are also currently preparing for friendly matches. The landscape will shift as soon as the official FIFA verdict is rendered.”

The NSC chairman further emphasised that sensitive legal outcomes are typically communicated through official federation channels before being disseminated to the general public.

“The FIFA we all know has a structured protocol to transmit such sensitive information to the parties involved. The name of DR Congo appears on the fixtures for now simply because the matter brought before FIFA remains pending. We are optimistic that Nigeria will prevail in this eligibility case, allowing the Super Eagles to proceed to the play-offs and potentially secure a spot at the World Cup. I urge all Nigerians to remain calm and await the final determination.”

Commenting on the proposed four-nation tournament in Jordan, Dikko noted that the commission is keeping a watchful eye on the geopolitical situation in that region.

“We are closely monitoring the developments. Firstly, we are not the primary organisers of that specific tournament. The conflict in the Middle East is a fluid situation that could change at any moment. There is still sufficient time to determine the next strategic move for the Super Eagles regarding their international schedule.”

How Nigeria’s Campaign Stalled

The current legal impasse follows a turbulent qualifying campaign where the Super Eagles failed to secure an automatic ticket to the finals. Nigeria finished second in their qualifying group behind South Africa, which forced them into a high-stakes continental play-off against DR Congo in November 2025. Following a grueling 1-1 aggregate draw, the tie was decided by a dramatic penalty shootout, which Nigeria lost 4-3. While that on-field result seemingly ended their direct route to the World Cup, the NSC’s legal challenge regarding player eligibility remains the final thread of hope for the three-time African champions.