Why Nigeria May Still Play at World Cup – NSC Boss

Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup may still be alive despite the Democratic Republic of Congo being listed among teams set for the intercontinental playoffs, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, has said.

Speaking to the media, Dikko expressed optimism that the Super Eagles could still secure a place in the playoff tournament if FIFA rules in Nigeria’s favour in an ongoing eligibility case involving DR Congo.

FIFA recently confirmed six nations for the interconfederation playoff tournament scheduled to take place in Mexico from March 26 to March 31. DR Congo was named as Africa’s representative, alongside Bolivia, Iraq, Jamaica, New Caledonia and Suriname, with the competition set to determine the final two places at the expanded 2026 World Cup.

The announcement sparked concern among Nigerian football fans, who feared it signalled the end of the Super Eagles’ qualification hopes.

However, Dikko insisted that DR Congo’s inclusion in the list does not necessarily mean Nigeria’s protest has been dismissed.

The Super Eagles were knocked out of the qualification race after losing to DR Congo in a dramatic penalty shootout in November 2025. Following the match, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) filed a formal protest with FIFA, alleging that the Congolese side fielded ineligible players.

According to Dikko, FIFA has not yet issued a final decision on the matter.

“The fact that DR Congo appears among the six nations to compete for the final two spots is not enough to conclude that FIFA has dismissed Nigeria’s petition,” he said. “We are monitoring the situation closely and waiting for FIFA’s official verdict.”

He noted that FIFA typically communicates decisions on sensitive matters directly to the parties involved before making them public, suggesting the eligibility case may still be under review despite the playoff fixtures already being announced.

If FIFA rules in Nigeria’s favour, the result of the playoff tie involving DR Congo could be overturned, potentially allowing the Super Eagles to take their place in the tournament.

Such a decision would remove DR Congo from the intercontinental playoff lineup and reopen Nigeria’s path to qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

Dikko urged Nigerians to remain calm while awaiting FIFA’s ruling.

“We are very hopeful that Nigeria will win the eligibility case and the Super Eagles will proceed to play in the playoff, possibly making the World Cup party,” he said.

The intercontinental playoff matches are scheduled to be played in Guadalajara and Monterrey in Mexico, with DR Congo currently set to face the winner of the clash between Jamaica and New Caledonia. A ruling in Nigeria’s favour would significantly alter that lineup and revive the country’s hopes of appearing at the 2026 World Cup.