Sport
NSC Chairman Says FIFA Does Not Solely Decide Nigeria World Cup Play-Off Spot
NSC chairman Shehu Dikko clarifies FIFA does not solely decide Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup play-off spot, independent FIFA bodies will handle eligibility dispute
Shehu Dikko, chairman of Nigeria’s National Sports Commission (NSC), has clarified that FIFA does not have sole authority to determine the Super Eagles’ direct play-off spot in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Also read: Regina Daniels Gifts Younger Sister Mercedes-Benz SUV for 20th Birthday
Speaking after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, Dikko explained that independent judicial bodies within FIFA, including the disciplinary and ethics committees, will review and rule on the eligibility dispute involving the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo).
In December 2025, the Nigeria Football Federation filed a formal complaint with FIFA, alleging that DR Congo fielded ineligible players who hold European passports, which violates Congolese law prohibiting dual citizenship.
Dikko said: “Even FIFA, it’s not FIFA deciding. Independent bodies within FIFA make their decisions based on the rules. They won’t tell you when; when they finish, they will announce the verdict.”
The dispute follows Nigeria’s loss to DR Congo in a penalty shoot-out during the intercontinental play-off in November 2025.
If FIFA rules in Nigeria’s favour, DR Congo could be disqualified, potentially altering the 2026 World Cup play-off bracket.
Sanusi Mohammed described the situation as a “dual nationality trap,” highlighting alleged procedural flaws in the player clearance process.
Also read: Regina Daniels Gifts Younger Sister Mercedes-Benz SUV for 20th Birthday
The Super Eagles now await FIFA’s independent ruling as their World Cup hopes remain under review.
Cristiano Ronaldo announces his retirement from Portugal international duty after 23 years, ending a career that included 146 goals in 234 games
On 5 November 2026, Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from international duty, bringing an end to a 23-year career with the national team just as a rift with manager Jorge Jesus appeared to have been patched up.
Also read: Mourinho Balanced on Vinicius With Soft Approach
The 41-year-old posted a video on social media in which he declared that the time had come to hang up the number 7 jersey.
“Portugal will always be in me,” he said. “The time has come to hang up the number 7 of our national team. I never felt it was exclusively mine, but for 23 years I had the privilege and the responsibility of wearing it.”
Ronaldo added that the decision was not easy and had been taken with both the head and the heart.
He leaves as Portugal’s most capped player and the highest goalscorer in men’s international football history, with 146 goals in 234 appearances.
His career highlights include the Euro 2016 title and two UEFA Nations League triumphs.
The announcement comes a day before Jorge Jesus was due to name his squad for the November Nations League fixtures, following reports that Ronaldo had been included in the preliminary selection after a September fallout over playing time.
In October, Ronaldo had accused Jesus of breaking his word after being left as an unused substitute against Norway, leading him to leave the national team camp.
He later apologised and stated he remained available after any punishment.
The pair were reported to have cleared the air, yet Ronaldo has now chosen to step away entirely.
The decision closes one of the most remarkable international careers the sport has seen and leaves Portugal without its long-serving captain for the remainder of the Nations League campaign.
Also read: Mourinho Balanced on Vinicius With Soft Approach
Football has been stunned by the sudden end to Ronaldo’s Portugal chapter. While he continues at club level with Al Nassr, the national team must now look to the future without its greatest ever player.
José Mourinho says he is 80 per cent soft and 20 per cent tough with Vinicius Júnior after Real Madrid’s Champions League win over AEK Athens
CAF unveils prestigious 2026 Player of the Year nominees including Sadio Mané, Achraf Hakimi and Amad Diallo, with the awards ceremony set for Lagos
-
Politics3 years ago
13 Ondo Assembly Members Disown Endorsement of Aiyedatiwa
-
Politics3 years ago
APC Group, Ondo Govt, Quarrel Over Money for Endorsement
-
Trending News6 years agoStop unsavoury, inciting statements – DSS warns
-
Others5 years agoAdron Homes Celebrates 10 Years Of Housing Excellence
-
Humanity5 years agoPresident Buhari Commiserates With Ambassador Maureen Tamuno Over The Loss Of Her Father
-
Others7 years agoEX- CUSTOMS BOSS, IBRAHIM MERA’S DWINDLING FAME
-
Business3 years agoBigi Carbonated Soft Drinks Treats 40 Consumers to an Epic Easter Movie Hangout
-
Business2 years agoWema Bank Shines at Global SME Finance Forum Conference Awards 2024 …Awarded: • SME Financier of the Year (Africa) • Platinum Award for Best Financier for Women Entrepreneurs (Africa)