‘You’re dreaming’ – Nigerians tear into NSC boss over Super Eagles World Cup hope

Mixed reactions have followed comments from National Sports Commission chairman Shehu Dikko on Super Eagles’ World Cup hopes, Afrik Foot reports.

The NSC boss insists the Super Eagles still have a chance of returning to the qualification race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The optimism from the Nigerian sports chief came after FIFA listed the DR Congo national football team among the six countries expected to compete in the upcoming intercontinental playoff tournament.

Many fans interpreted the announcement as confirmation that Nigeria’s protest had already been dismissed, but Dikko believes the world football governing body has not yet issued a final verdict.

Super Eagles: NSC chairman on FIFA’s rule

Dikko maintained that Nigeria’s eligibility case against DR Congo remains unresolved and urged fans to remain calm while awaiting an official decision from FIFA.

“As far as we know, FIFA is yet to give its verdict,” Dikko said to Guardian. “We are monitoring the situation closely.

“The fact that DR Congo appears among the six nations to compete for the final two spots in the playoff is not enough to jump to the conclusion that FIFA has thrown out Nigeria’s petition. Some nations are also preparing for friendly matches. Things will change as soon as the FIFA verdict comes out.”

The NSC chairman further stressed that FIFA usually informs the parties involved before making a final ruling on sensitive matters.

“The FIFA we all know has a channel to pass such sensitive information across to the parties involved. The name of DR Congo appears on the fixtures for now because the matter brought before FIFA has not been decided.

“We are very hopeful that Nigeria will win the eligibility case, and the Super Eagles will proceed to play in the playoff, and possibly make the World Cup party. I want all Nigerians to remain calm, and wait for the final verdict.”

Nigeria originally lost the continental playoff to DR Congo on penalties, but the Nigeria Football Federation later submitted a complaint alleging that the Congolese side fielded ineligible players during the encounter.

Nigerians react as NSC boss relives World Cup hope

Despite Dikko’s optimism, many fans have expressed skepticism about Nigeria’s chances of being reinstated into the World Cup playoff.

Reacting on social media, some supporters argued that the matter was already settled after FIFA published the playoff fixtures with DR Congo included.

“FIFA already posted the fixtures for the playoffs with DRC. They’ve indirectly told us it’s over,” one user, Badmus Babatunde, wrote.

Others insisted Nigeria should focus on winning matches rather than hoping for a legal lifeline.

“We qualify by winning games not by hopes,” said Mickeyza Tebza.

Several fans also questioned why the verdict from FIFA had taken so long.

“Why the long verdict?” asked Reuben Delared Yayah, while Samy Mukadi added sarcastically: “Keep waiting sir. FIFA will send the letter December.”

Some supporters were even more blunt in their assessment of the situation.

“Prepare for 2030 World Cup,” wrote Solomon Olawale Ogunsola, while Anozie Okafor simply stated: “You are dreaming.”

Others argued that Nigeria should accept the defeat and move on from the controversy.

“Why wait for FIFA? The time you were supposed to work hard and qualify you were not serious,” said Jude Williams.

However, not every reaction was negative, with a few fans still holding out hope that FIFA could rule in Nigeria’s favour.

“I want us to go,” wrote Chisom Agoha, reflecting the optimism of supporters still hoping the Super Eagles could receive an unexpected second chance to fight for a place at the 2026 World Cup.