Shehu Dikko hopeful Nigeria’s World Cup chances could be revived if FIFA docks South Africa points.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, remains hopeful that the Super Eagles can still qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup — but only if FIFA sanctions South Africa for allegedly fielding an ineligible player.
Nigeria’s path to qualification has become uncertain after a string of underwhelming results in the CAF qualifiers. However, Dikko believes a possible disciplinary action against South Africa could revive Nigeria’s chances.
The optimism stems from South Africa’s 2-0 win over Lesotho in March, during which midfielder Teboho Mokoena featured despite reportedly having accumulated two yellow cards — a situation that could amount to a breach of FIFA’s disciplinary regulations.
“If FIFA finds South Africa guilty of fielding an ineligible player, they may be docked points,” Dikko stated. “That would shift the dynamics of the group and potentially give Nigeria a lifeline.”
He noted that such decisions are not without precedent and urged fans to remain patient as FIFA reviews the matter.
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