Nigeria's aspirations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup could be dramatically revived as FIFA prepares to deliver its verdict on a petition filed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) against the DR Congo national football team. The NFF submitted a formal complaint in December, alleging that at least six players who represented DR Congo in the African play-off final last November were ineligible to feature. According to the federation, these players had recently changed their national allegiances without properly completing the required procedures. The decisive encounter saw the Super Eagles lose 4-3 on penalties after the match ended 1-1 following extra time.

Nigerian officials have expressed strong confidence in their case. NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi stated, "We believe we have a strong case, and we’re waiting for FIFA’s decision on our complaints." Similarly, National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko has adopted a resolute stance, asserting that Nigeria's petition "should be" upheld. He clarified that this confidence stems not from blind optimism, but from what he believes are clear rule violations.

Dikko described Nigeria's approach as a "strategic detachment," noting, "We have already put the World Cup behind us." However, he quickly clarified that this is not resignation, but a practical step. His follow-up statement reinforces this: "If at the end of the day our petition is found to be correct, which I believe it should be, then we have another lifeline and we can take it on from there." This firm declaration suggests a leader who trusts the evidence presented and stands unequivocally behind the federation's case, rather than employing cautious language to safeguard his reputation.

The NSC boss confirmed that Nigeria's complaint is not merely the grievance of "sore losers." The petition specifically alleges that DR Congo fielded up to six dual-citizenship players in direct violation of Congolese national law, meaning these players should never have received FIFA clearance in the first place. Shehu Dikko firmly believes that FIFA will ultimately rule in Nigeria's favor.

This outspoken confidence from Dikko is particularly noteworthy in the context of Nigerian sports administration, where officials often employ bureaucratic language and distance themselves from accountability. By publicly stating his conviction that the petition will be upheld, Dikko is placing his credibility on the line. He emphasized, "It's not that we are sore losers; it's all about the rules. If the rules are breached, then we have to present it to the relevant bodies that will examine it." This translates to Nigeria having filed the protest based on concrete evidence and established rules, not simply emotion.

A ruling in Nigeria’s favour could potentially overturn the result of the play-off final, thereby paving the way for the Super Eagles to replace DR Congo in the Intercontinental Play-Off tournament scheduled for March. Regardless of FIFA's February verdict, Dikko's confident stance sends a clear message: Nigeria is prepared to challenge injustice when observed, and its leadership will stand firm behind such challenges. The NFF and NSC have presented their case with conviction, indicating a commitment to the integrity of the rules over mere desperation to qualify for the 2026 showpiece.