Amid growing uncertainty, Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), has assured that Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup remain alive.

In December 2025, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) submitted a protest to FIFA, alleging that the DR Congo national football team fielded ineligible players during the African play-off final.

While the NFF continues to await a verdict from the world football governing body, the absence of an official response has cast further doubt on the Nigeria national football team’s hopes of appearing at the tournament.

FIFA Post Raises Questions Over Playoff Lineup

On May 5, FIFA, through its official @fifamedia handle on X, released the format and confirmed the six countries that will take part in the intercontinental play-off tournament in Mexico. DR Congo were listed among the teams expected to compete for the final two spots in the expanded tournament.

“Tickets now on sale for @FIFAWorldCup Play-Off Tournament. Guadalajara Stadium and Monterrey Stadium to stage two play-off matches each.

“Bolivia, Congo DR, Iraq, Jamaica, New Caledonia and Suriname will compete for two places at this year’s FIFA World Cup™.

“Tickets range in price from MXN 200 to 300 (approx. USD 11.50 to 17.50) and can be purchased via FIFA.com/tickets,” FIFA stated on X.

The post has raised doubts among Nigerian fans about the country’s chances of featuring at the expanded tournament, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Dikko: FIFA Yet to Deliver Verdict

However, Dikko insists that DR Congo’s inclusion in the list does not necessarily mean FIFA has already ruled on Nigeria’s petition regarding player eligibility.

“As far as we know, FIFA is yet to give its verdict. We are monitoring the situation closely,” Dikko was quoted by The Guardian Nigeria.

“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.

“The FIFA we all know has a channel to pass such sensitive information across to the parties involved. The name of DR Congo appears on the fixtures for now because the matter brought 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 party. I want all Nigerians to remain calm and wait for the final verdict.”

Playoff Tournament Set for Mexico

The intercontinental playoff tournament is scheduled to take place between March 26 and March 31 in Guadalajara and Monterrey, Mexico, where six teams will battle for the final two places at the expanded global showpiece.

DR Congo will play the winner of Jamaica versus New Caledonia for a place at the 2026 World Cup.

However, should the NFF’s protest succeed, the result of the previous match could be overturned, potentially removing DR Congo from the playoff path and handing Nigeria the opportunity to compete for a place at the 2026 World Cup. (Business Day)

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