‘We’ve put World Cup hopes behind us, but awaits FIFA’s decision — Dikko says

Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, on Thursdays said Nigeria has moved on from its failed World Cup qualification campaign, despite a pending case before FIFA over alleged breaches during the playoffs.

Responding to questions from State House correspondents after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu on the commission’s 2025 performance and plans for 2026, Dikko said while Nigeria and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had submitted a complaint to FIFA over what they consider infractions during the qualification process, the country is no longer dwelling on the outcome.

“But I keep saying, we have put the World Cup behind us already. Whatever happens, it is what it is,” he said.

Dikko explained that by the time the current sports leadership came on board, Nigeria’s qualification hopes were already slim, with the team sitting on three points from a possible 12. He said efforts were made in collaboration with the NFF to turn the campaign around, but the team narrowly missed out after losing on penalties in the playoffs.

He disclosed that alleged breaches of rules and regulations were identified and documented even before the playoffs were concluded, prompting a formal submission to FIFA.

According to him, the matter is now before the relevant independent bodies within world football governing body, FIFA, including its disciplinary and ethics committees. He stressed that these bodies operate independently and will deliver their decision when deliberations are concluded.

While expressing confidence that Nigeria has a strong legal case, Dikko reiterated that the focus has shifted to upcoming competitions, including the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

“World Cup is a closed chapter, but yes, we have a pending legal issue to deal with,” he said.