Nigeria still has a realistic chance of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup, according to the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, who says a formal complaint submitted to FIFA over DR Congo’s player eligibility is currently under review and could affect the outcome of the qualification race.
Speaking on ARISE News on Friday, Dikko responded to questions on Nigeria’s World Cup prospects, explaining why the country approached FIFA after reviewing DR Congo’s squad used in the qualifiers.
Dikko said Nigeria’s decision to seek clarification from FIFA was guided strictly by the rules of the game, stressing that the process is part of international football and not an emotional reaction to match results.
“We’re not sore losers, but it’s part of the rules,” he said.
According to Dikko, Nigeria routinely monitors the eligibility of opposing teams’ players, and concerns were raised after reviewing the DR Congo squad and the clearances obtained before the match.
He explained that Nigeria sought legal guidance before escalating the matter to FIFA.
“We bring in our legal teams…we look at the legal opinion, we look at the laws, we find out that they’re some suspicion that some things haven’t been done right according to the laws of the game and what fifa has required before you can have an eligible player,” he said.
Dikko confirmed that the complaint has been formally submitted and is being examined by FIFA, expressing confidence in Nigeria’s position.
“We issued our complaint to fifa and now it’s been looked at,” he said.
“Our case is very tight. We’re not sore losers and our case is very tight I think. It’s part of the laws.”
The National Sports Commission chairman said Nigeria remains hopeful as the process continues, noting that the country will respect FIFA’s final decision while maintaining confidence that the matter has been raised in line with the rules governing World Cup qualification.
Ademide Adebayo
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