The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, has expressed strong confidence in Nigeria’s case against the Democratic Republic of Congo over the alleged use of ineligible players in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoffs.
Speaking on Arise TV, Dikko stated that Nigeria’s petition to FIFA is legally solid. “Our case is very tight, we’re not sore losers, this is part of the law,” he said.
The dispute centers on Nigeria’s allegation that DR Congo did not follow proper procedures in obtaining FIFA clearance for several players who had previously represented other countries.
Dikko referenced a recent FIFA ruling against Malaysia, where the team forfeited matches for using players with illegally procured passports, as a precedent that strengthens Nigeria’s position.
“They have probably misrepresented their position to FIFA to obtain those clearances,” Dikko added.
Nigeria has asked FIFA to disqualify DR Congo from the World Cup qualifiers. A decision from the world football governing body is now awaited.
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Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the National Sports Commission chairman regarding an ongoing formal complaint. FIFA’s final ruling will determine the outcome.
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