Dikko Optimistic In Nigeria’s Strong Case Against DR Congo In FIFA Eligibility Dispute
By Saheed Afolabi
Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko is optimistic in Nigeria’s formal complaint to FIFA regarding the Democratic Republic of Congo’s use of allegedly ineligible players during the 2026 World Cup African qualifiers playoff.
The Super Eagles suffered a disappointing penalty shootout defeat to the Leopards last month in Morocco, which eliminated Nigeria from advancing to the intercontinental playoffs in March 2026.
However, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has protested against nine DR Congo players for holding dual nationalities and European passports which were ineligible under Congolese domestic law, which prohibits dual citizenship.
Dikko emphasized that the challenge is firmly based on FIFA regulations and the laws of the game, rejecting any notion of negative result.
“Our case is very tight. We are not sore losers. This is part of the law,” he stated during a recent interview.
He highlighted suspicions of procedural irregularities, including possible misrepresentation in the documentation submitted to FIFA for player clearances. Nigerian officials had been monitoring DR Congo’s squad since early November, noting that some players received FIFA approval just days before the playoff.
Players reportedly in question include Europe-based stars like Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe, who switched allegiances but allegedly failed to fully renounce their prior citizenships as required by DR Congo’s constitution.
Bolstering Nigeria’s position, Dikko referenced a recent FIFA decision against Malaysia, where the governing body ruled that passports were procured illegally, resulting in the forfeiture of multiple matches as 3-0 defeats.
“Just days ago, FIFA ruled against Malaysia on the same issue. That shows FIFA takes these matters seriously,” he noted.
If FIFA upholds the protest, DR Congo could face severe penalties, including match forfeitures or disqualification from the intercontinental playoffs, potentially reinstating Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the expanded 2026 World Cup in North America.
The case underscores ongoing tensions between national citizenship laws and FIFA’s eligibility rules, with the outcome now awaiting FIFA’s disciplinary review.
