2026 World Cup: NSC chairman gives Tinubu update about FIFA verdict

The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko has confirmed that Nigeria’s path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup now rests entirely on a decision from FIFA.

His comments follow a formal protest submitted by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), alleging that the DR Congo fielded ineligible players during the decisive African play-off final.

Speaking to journalists at the Presidential Villa after a meeting with Bola Tinubu, Dikko admitted that Nigeria’s on-field campaign had effectively concluded but stressed that legal proceedings were still ongoing.

He said, “Competitively, the World Cup is a closed chapter for us. However, the legal matter is still pending.”

Despite acknowledging the setback, the NSC chairman expressed cautious optimism that a favourable ruling could see the Super Eagles reinstated and granted access to the intercontinental play-offs scheduled for March.

Should FIFA uphold Nigeria’s protest, it could dramatically alter the country’s qualification prospects for the 2026 tournament.

For now, the matter remains under review, with the nation’s World Cup hopes dependent on the outcome of FIFA’s decision.