NSC Chairman Issues Update on Nigeria's FIFA World Cup Case Against DR Congo as Verdict Drags
Published on February 23, 2026, at 9:21 PM by Elijah Odetokun, with a 3-minute read time, this article covers the latest developments in Nigeria's ongoing FIFA dispute.
Background of the Case
The chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Alhaji Shehu Dikko, has spoken out regarding Nigeria's pending case against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) at FIFA. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) submitted a petition to FIFA on December 15, 2025, challenging DR Congo's status in the upcoming 2026 World Cup intercontinental playoff. Nigeria alleges that DR Congo breached FIFA rules by fielding six ineligible players, including Aaron Wan-Bissaka, despite initial FIFA clearance. The NFF claims that FIFA was misled into approving their nationality switch, as the players did not meet Congolese constitutional requirements for citizenship.
Delay in FIFA Verdict
It was widely speculated that FIFA would announce the verdict on February 16, 2026, but the world football body has remained silent, with no communication a week later. FIFA acknowledged the case upon submission but has yet to pass a verdict, leaving less than a month until the March international break. The intercontinental playoff, scheduled for March, will determine which team advances to the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. DR Congo is set to face the winner of the semi-final tie between Jamaica and New Caledonia for a chance to qualify.
NSC Chairman's Statement
During a visit to President Bola Tinubu, NSC chairman Alhaji Shehu Dikko confirmed that no verdict has been given by FIFA. He stated, "World Cup is a closed chapter for us competitively, but the legal matter is pending. The relevant independent bodies within FIFA will decide," as quoted by The Guardian. This highlights that while Nigeria's competitive path to the World Cup has ended, the legal avenue remains open, offering a potential pathway to the tournament, which kicks off in four months.
Complexities and Reactions
The case has become more complicated after the NFF announced a four-nation invitational tournament for the Super Eagles during the March international break. Scheduling games during this period suggests that the NFF might anticipate a conclusive end to the case, though similar plans were cancelled in November 2025 after the team qualified for the African playoff. Nigerians have been waiting anxiously for the verdict, eager to know the fate of their national team at the global football event in June.
Former Super Eagles defender Ben Iroha has criticized FIFA for the delay in delivering a verdict on the case against DR Congo. With the intercontinental playoff about a month away, the world football governing body's indecision adds to the uncertainty surrounding Nigeria's World Cup hopes.
Implications for Nigerian Football
This ongoing dispute underscores the high stakes in international football, where eligibility issues can significantly impact tournament outcomes. The NFF's proactive measures, such as organizing matches, reflect efforts to maintain team readiness despite the legal limbo. As the FIFA verdict continues to drag, the Nigerian football community remains on edge, hoping for a resolution that could potentially revive their World Cup dreams through legal channels.
