Shehu Dikko insists Nigeria case over DR Congo eligibility still open

The appearance of the Democratic Republic of the Congo on a FIFA accreditation document for the 2026 World Cup intercontinental playoffs has sparked concern in Nigeria, but sports officials say the matter remains unresolved.

The document, released ahead of the playoff tournament scheduled to take place in Mexico later this month, lists DR Congo as the African representative.

The development triggered alarm among supporters of Nigeria’s national team, the Nigeria national football team, who fear the country’s hopes of reaching the tournament could be over.

However, officials in Nigeria’s sports administration have sought to calm those fears, arguing that the document does not represent a final ruling on the dispute.

Shehu Dikko, chairman of the National Sports Commission, said the legal process launched by Nigeria regarding the eligibility of the Congolese side has not yet concluded.

“As far as we know, FIFA has not yet issued its verdict,” Dikko stated.

The accreditation note lists six countries for the playoff competition: DR Congo, Bolivia, Iraq, Jamaica, New Caledonia and Suriname.

According to Dikko, that inclusion is based on organisational needs rather than a definitive decision about the ongoing dispute.

Case still unresolved

Nigeria’s argument focuses on the practical requirements involved in staging the playoff tournament. With fixtures needing to be scheduled in advance, a team must appear in the draw while the legal process continues.

“The fact that the DRC is among the six nations is not enough to conclude that FIFA has rejected Nigeria’s request,” explains Shehu Dikko.

“The DRC’s name appears on the schedule for now because the case before FIFA has not yet been decided.”

Nigerian officials maintain that FIFA normally communicates sensitive legal decisions directly to the parties involved through formal channels.

In their view, the accreditation list circulated to the media should not be interpreted as an official judgement on the matter.

The dispute centres on Nigeria’s challenge to the eligibility of players used by the Congolese team, an issue that prompted the federation to seek clarification from the global governing body.

Attention also on tournament preparations

At the same time, attention is also being paid to preparations for an upcoming four-nation tournament in Jordan involving Nigeria.

Dikko acknowledged that the geopolitical situation in the Middle East is being closely monitored as plans for the event continue.

“We are monitoring the situation. The war in the Middle East could end today or tomorrow,” commented the NSC president.

He noted that Nigeria is not hosting the tournament and that there remains time for adjustments if the situation requires changes to the schedule.

For now, Nigerian officials insist the final outcome of the dispute with DR Congo rests with FIFA, and they say the country will wait for the governing body’s official decision before drawing conclusions about its World Cup chances.