National Teams
Dikko remains hopeful as Super Eagles’ World Cup hopes hinge on FIFA ruling
By Dayo Awoniyi
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, has expressed optimism over Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite the Super Eagles’ current struggles in their qualifying group.
Nigeria’s hopes of making the tournament, set to be hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, could be revived if South Africa are found guilty of fielding an ineligible player during their 2–0 victory over Lesotho in March.
South African midfielder Teboho Mokoena was reportedly suspended for the fixture after accumulating two yellow cards earlier in the qualifying campaign, but was still included in the matchday squad.
“With the way things are, it’s still in our hands, depending on the outcome of the disciplinary decision that’s expected soon,” Dikko said in an interview.
“If the decision goes as everyone expects—and we ourselves have faced a similar fate before—it means we can still control our own future. If we win our remaining four games, we can make it.”
Dikko stressed the importance of consistency and fairness in enforcing FIFA regulations.
“The rules are the rules; it’s not about Africa, it’s FIFA. There are no two ways about it. Otherwise, anyone could field a player and then say it was a simple error,” he added.
Nigeria currently sit outside the automatic qualification spot in their group, and a potential FIFA disciplinary ruling in their favour could significantly alter the standings.
The Super Eagles have qualified for six of the last seven World Cups, missing only the 2006 edition in Germany.
