Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, has confirmed that a formal complaint has been submitted to FIFA over the eligibility of some players fielded by DR Congo in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Afrosport reports.
Speaking on Arise News on Friday, Dikko said the complaint is currently under review and could still affect Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup, and explained that Nigeria’s decision to approach FIFA was guided strictly by the rules of the game and standard international football procedures, not by emotions or disappointment over match results.
“We are not sore losers, but it’s part of the rules,” he said.
According to Dikko, Nigeria routinely monitors the eligibility of players used by opposing teams.
Concerns were raised after a careful review of the DR Congo squad and the clearance processes completed before the match.
“We bring in our legal teams, examine the legal opinions, study the laws, and when there are suspicions that certain requirements under the laws of the game and FIFA regulations may not have been properly met, we take the necessary steps,” he added.
Dikko confirmed that FIFA is currently examining the complaint and expressed confidence in Nigeria’s position.
DR Congo stopped Nigeria on penalties in the final of the African Play-offs in Morocco and qualified to play in the Inter-Confederation play-offs.
