Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, has said Nigeria’s hopes of returning to contention for the 2026 FIFA World Cup now rest entirely with world football’s governing body, FIFA, following the country’s protest against DR Congo.
Nigeria had filed a petition over the Democratic Republic of Congo’s alleged use of ineligible players during the African play-off final. However, Dikko made it clear that on-field competition is over for the Super Eagles, and only FIFA’s legal process can determine the next step.
“World Cup is a closed chapter for us competitively, but the legal matter is pending. The relevant independent bodies within FIFA will decide,” Dikko told journalists after briefing President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa.
He expressed cautious optimism that Nigeria could still be reinstated for March’s intercontinental play-offs if the ruling goes in the country’s favour.
During the meeting with the President, Dikko presented a report on the commission’s 2025 achievements, approvals received, and projections for 2026. He described the visit as routine, noting that President Tinubu was pleased with the progress recorded in the sports sector.
According to him, Nigeria’s sports industry contributed 1.2 per cent to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product in the third quarter of 2025 and generated approximately 140,000 jobs across its value chain.
“We are no longer measuring sports by medals alone,” Dikko said. “We are measuring it by contribution to GDP and job creation. Last year, we induced almost 140,000 jobs with direct, indirect and induced across the sporting ecosystem.”
He highlighted key milestones in 2025, including the country’s haul of nearly 375 medals in international competitions and about N50 billion in private sector investments under the “Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy.”
Dikko also confirmed that President Tinubu had approved the board of the Nigeria Anti-Doping Agency, restoring the country’s compliance with the World Anti-Doping Agency following the signing of the long-awaited anti-doping bill.
“After almost 20 years, the anti-doping bill was signed last year. Now the board has been approved for constitution. Nigeria has been cleared and recognised as a clean country in sports,” he said.
On grassroots development, the NSC chairman stressed that federations must prioritise nurturing young talents and strengthening domestic competitions. He revealed plans to include junior athletes as a “38th state” at the National Sports Festival, organise Under-18 and Under-20 intermediate games, and revive school sports in partnership with the Ministry of Education.
He warned that federations failing to invest in grassroots development would not receive support for international competitions.
Dikko further disclosed that the President had approved fast-tracked release of 2026 budget allocations for sports, describing the move as unprecedented.
“What the President has done for sports has never been like this before. His decisive approvals and directive that budgeted funds for sports be released promptly will help us plan better and deliver results,” he added.
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