Sports

Why FIFA Listed Congo For World Cup Playoff Despite Nigeria’s Protest – Dikko

Published

2 months ago

March 6, 2026

The Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Malam Shehu Dikko, has explained why Congo national football team was listed among teams for the playoff round despite Nigeria’s protest over the qualification process.

Speaking on the sidelines of a football tournament marking International Women’s Day, organised by FAME Foundation on Friday in Abuja, Dikko said the listing by FIFA does not imply that the case has been decided, stressing that the matter is still undergoing review by the relevant authorities.

According to him, the football governing body operates a legal process where teams are presumed innocent until a final decision is reached.

“If you go to the court of law, they say you are presumed innocent until proven otherwise. All the processes are ongoing, and the judge has not made a decision yet,” he said.

Dikko explained that the dispute has been referred to an independent adjudicating body within FIFA’s structure, which will determine whether Nigeria’s complaint has merit.

He noted that while Congo has been listed among the participating teams in the playoff, the final decision will depend on the outcome of the legal process.

He also clarified that such cases are not decided directly by FIFA’s administrative office but by independent committees set up to handle disciplinary and eligibility disputes.

“It is not FIFA’s duty directly. They have independent bodies that deal with these issues, and we must wait for the final pronouncement,” he said.

According to him, Nigeria has already filed its complaint and believes it has a case, but the outcome will ultimately depend on the adjudicating panel’s decision.

Dikko added that until a final ruling is delivered, football authorities and teams involved must continue preparations as scheduled while awaiting the decision.

Sports

Messi Opens Up On Relationship With Cristiano Ronaldo

Published

3 days ago

May 8, 2026

Editor

Barcelona and Argentina legend, Lionel Messi, has opened up on his relationship and long-standing rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo following years of intense competition between the two football icons.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo faced off at the pinnacle of football for many years.

Fans watched with bated breath as “La Pulga” and CR7 consistently tried to outdo one another.

In a recent interview on Argentine television, Messi reflected on his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo.

Messi and Ronaldo encountered each other more frequently as adversaries during their tenures at Barcelona and Real Madrid from 2009 to 2018.

“What transpired was a remarkable sporting rivalry,” Messi told Polloalvarezok.

“It is a natural occurrence in football. I was with Barcelona while he was with Real Madrid, and we were competing for everything, both as a team and individually, which led to constant comparisons between us.

“However, our relationship was always positive and respectful, and everything that unfolded was strictly athletic. There was nothing personal.

“We did not often meet outside matches or award ceremonies, and we maintained a cordial relationship.

“Now we find ourselves in different phases of our lives, but what transpired was indeed a remarkable sporting rivalry.”

Sports

LaLiga: Real Madrid Open Negotiations With Mourinho Amid Fights In Dressing Room

Published

3 days ago

May 8, 2026

Editor

Real Madrid have established direct contact with Benfica manager, Jose Mourinho, as they seek to bring the Portuguese back to the club.

President Florentino Perez is keen to appoint Mourinho ahead of next season.

Perez will however have to pay a fee to release the former Manchester United and Chelsea boss from his current contract.

Football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, wrote on X on Friday: “Real Madrid have started José Mourinho operation with direct contacts now taking place.

“Benfica want Mou to stay at all costs but aware of Real talks ongoing; it depends on Madrid.

“Up to Florentino Pérez: he will decide if Mourinho returns or not.”

This comes in a week when the tensions within the Madrid dressing room became public.

Captain Federico Valverde had to be taken to hospital after clashing with Aurelien Tchouameni in training.

Days before then, Antonio Rudiger reportedly slapped Alvaro Carreras and was forced to apologize.

It is also rumoured that certain players openly mock interim coach Alvaro Arbeloa.

Sports

Turkey: Galatasaray Give Condition To Sell Victor Osimhen

Published

3 days ago

May 8, 2026

Editor

Galatasaray board member, Bora Bahçetepe, has insisted that the club will sell their star striker Victor Osimhen if they receive an offer of 150-200 million euros.

Bahçetepe stated this on the HT Spor broadcast while fielding questions about Osimhen’s future amid reports linking the Nigerian international with a move away from Galatasaray in the summer transfer window.

Galatasaray has many players, including Osimhen, whose future is uncertain at the end of the season.

“Victor Osimhen is the best striker in Europe,” Bahçetepe said.

“We won’t sell him unless we receive an offer of 150-200 million euros,” he said.

Osimhen joined Galatasaray from Serie A side Napoli on a permanent transfer in 2025.