Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, expresses optimism regarding the Super Eagles’ chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, contingent upon FIFA imposing a three-point deduction on South Africa.
Currently, after six matches, the Super Eagles find themselves in fourth place in Group C of the qualifiers, having accumulated seven points, which places them six points behind the South African team that leads the group with 13 points.
Despite the challenging position of Nigeria in the group, Dikko remains hopeful that the Eagles can still secure qualification, as South Africa faces the possibility of losing three points due to the fielding of an ineligible player during their 2-0 victory over Lesotho in March.
Teboho Mokoena of Bafana had received two yellow cards in the qualifying series and should have been suspended for the match against Lesotho.
According to the rules governing FIFA World Cup qualification, a player who has received two yellow cards is deemed ineligible to participate in subsequent matches.
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Consequently, it is reported that the Nigeria Football Federation has lodged a protest regarding this violation.
“Given the current circumstances, it remains within our control, depending on the disciplinary matter that will be resolved shortly,” Dikko stated in an interview with Nigerian journalist Austin Okon-Akpan, based in the UK.
“Should the disciplinary matter be resolved in the expected manner, considering that Nigeria has previously faced similar situations, it implies that the next four matches are still within our control. If we secure victories in these upcoming four matches, qualification is achievable.
“The rules are definitive; they are not specific to Africa but are established by FIFA. There is no ambiguity in this regard. Otherwise, we could have fielded any player and claimed it was an oversight.”
Now under the leadership of new coach Eric Chelle, who commenced his tenure in March, the Super Eagles are set to kick off their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign in September following a busy window in June.
