Dikko: Super Eagles Can Still Make 2026 World Cup

Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, believes the Super Eagles can still qualify for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico if FIFA deducts three points from South Africa’s tally.

The deduction would be a result of South Africa fielding an ineligible player during their 2-0 win over Lesotho in March.

After six matches, the Super Eagles sit fourth in Group C with seven points, trailing South Africa’s 13 points.

However, Dikko remains optimistic, citing the potential disciplinary action against South Africa. “With the look of things, it’s still in our hands, based on the disciplinary issue that is going to be decided very soon,” Dikko said in an interview.

“If the disciplinary issue goes the way everybody thinks it should go, because we too as Nigeria, have suffered the same fate before. So, if that happens, it means the next four games are still in our hands. If we win our next four games, we can qualify.”

The controversy surrounds Teboho Mokoena, who had accumulated two yellow cards and was ineligible to play against Lesotho.

The Nigeria Football Federation has protested the breach, and Dikko emphasized that “the rules are rules; it’s not about Africa, it’s FIFA. There are no two ways about it.”

Under new coach Eric Chelle, the Super Eagles will resume their 2026 World Cup qualifiers campaign in September. With four games left, they will face Rwanda and South Africa in September, followed by Lesotho and Benin Republic in October.

Despite the challenging situation, Dikko’s comments offer a glimmer of hope for Nigerian football fans.

PUNCH