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National Sports Commission Awaiting FIFA Verdict on Nigeria’s Protest Against DR Congo — Dikko
The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, has disclosed that the commission is still awaiting FIFA’s final verdict on Nigeria’s eligibility protest against DR Congo.
Nigeria’s qualification campaign suffered a major setback in November 2025 following a 4–3 penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo in the final African playoff of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
However, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) subsequently filed a formal petition, alleging that six Congolese players had recently switched international allegiance and were therefore ineligible at the time of the match.
Speaking in an interview with Brila FM, Dikko confirmed that all necessary steps have been taken and that a strong case has been presented to FIFA.
“The Commission and the NFF are working hand in hand on that. Everything the NFF is doing is in collaboration with the NSC, as our agency,” Dikko said.
“We have done what we have to do. It’s not that we are sore losers; it’s all about the rules. If the rules are breached, then we have to present it to the relevant bodies that will examine it.”
“At the end of the day, we wait for the decision.”
The NSC chairman added that, while Nigeria has moved on from the disappointment, the outcome of the petition could yet revive hopes.
“We have already put the World Cup behind us, but if at the end of the day our petition is found to be correct — which I believe it should be — then we have another lifeline and we can take it on from there.”
Nigeria’s football stakeholders now await FIFA’s ruling, which will determine whether the Super Eagles still have a pathway back into contention.
