The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, has declared that Nigeria have a strong and legally sound case against the Democratic Republic of Congo following allegations of fielding ineligible players during the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs.
Speaking with firm confidence and clarity, Dikko dismissed any suggestion that Nigeria’s move was driven by bitterness or desperation. Instead, he stressed that the complaint is rooted in the laws of the game and FIFA regulations that govern player eligibility at the international level.
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According to the former League Management Company boss, Nigeria’s position is backed by evidence suggesting irregularities in how the DR Congo players in question obtained clearance to represent their country.
“Our case is very tight. We are not sore losers. This is part of the law,” Dikko stated.
He explained that Nigeria’s football authorities believe certain processes were not followed correctly and that misrepresentation may have occurred during documentation and clearance procedures submitted to FIFA.
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“There are suspicions that some things were not done right in accordance with the laws of the game. They have probably misrepresented their position to FIFA to obtain those clearances,” he added.
Dikko further strengthened Nigeria’s argument by pointing to a recent FIFA ruling involving Malaysia. Just days ago, the world football governing body ruled against Malaysia after it was discovered that passports of some players were procured illegally. As a result, Malaysia forfeited all matches in which those players featured.
That precedent, Dikko believes, reinforces Nigeria’s confidence that FIFA will take decisive action if wrongdoing is established in the DR Congo case.
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“Just two days ago, FIFA ruled against Malaysia on the same issue. They forfeited all the matches they played with those players. That shows FIFA takes these matters seriously,” he said.
If FIFA rules in Nigeria’s favour, the consequences for DR Congo could be severe, including match forfeitures and possible sanctions, which may significantly alter the standings in the World Cup qualification race.
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For Nigerian football fans, the development offers renewed hope and reassurance that the country’s administrators are prepared to protect the integrity of the game and Nigeria’s chances on the global stage. As the case unfolds, all eyes will remain on FIFA’s response and whether justice will be served according to the rules.
