President Tinubu Receives Fresh Update on FIFA's Delay in Nigeria's 2026 World Cup Petition
Nigeria's qualification hopes for the 2026 FIFA World Cup now depend entirely on a pending ruling from FIFA regarding an eligibility protest filed against the Democratic Republic of Congo. National Sports Commission chairman Shehu Dikko has provided President Bola Tinubu with a detailed briefing explaining why the world football governing body has not yet issued a verdict on this critical matter.
Official Briefing at State House in Abuja
Shehu Dikko spoke to journalists after meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja, confirming that Nigeria's case is now completely in the hands of FIFA and its independent judicial bodies. Dikko emphasized that the world football organization has not provided any timeline for when this matter will be concluded, despite growing anxiety among Nigerian football fans.
"Even FIFA, it's not FIFA deciding," Dikko explained. "There are independent bodies in FIFA, the disciplinary committee, ethics committee, and they won't tell you when they are sitting. When they finish, they will tell the world."
Background of Nigeria's Eligibility Protest
Nigeria's legal challenge began after the Super Eagles were eliminated by DR Congo on penalties during the final of the African playoffs for the 2026 World Cup. This defeat initially appeared to end Nigeria's qualification dreams on the football pitch.
In December 2025, the Nigeria Football Federation submitted a formal petition to FIFA alleging that the Congolese Football Association cleared players who were not eligible under the country's citizenship laws. The NFF claims that some of these allegedly fraudulently registered players participated in the decisive African playoff final, a claim that DR Congo has strongly disputed.
Why the Delay in FIFA's Decision?
Dikko stressed that such matters require significant time because they involve:
- Comprehensive documentation review
- Analysis of nationality laws
- Application of FIFA statutes and regulations
- Legal procedures rather than sporting considerations
"If it is legal issues, we have a good case. That's why we submitted the case," Dikko stated confidently about Nigeria's position.
Potential Implications of FIFA's Ruling
Should FIFA uphold Nigeria's protest, the outcome could dramatically reshape the qualification picture for the Super Eagles. A favorable ruling might result in:
- Sanctions against DR Congo
- Potential reinstatement of Nigeria into the 2026 World Cup qualification pathway
- Restoration of Nigeria's chance to reach the expanded 2026 tournament
For now, however, Nigeria must wait patiently. Officials insist that no back-channel communication has occurred and that only an official FIFA announcement will confirm the fate of the petition.
Dismissing Unverified Online Reports
Dikko specifically addressed several unverified "verdicts" that have circulated online in recent days, dismissing these claims as false. He stressed that no official decision has been communicated to either football federation involved in the dispute.
The presidency's direct involvement in this matter underscores how high the stakes have become, with the eligibility protest now treated as a national sporting priority. The outcome could determine whether Nigeria participates in the 2026 World Cup or faces continued disappointment in international football competitions.
