Sports

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

Published

3 months ago

March 6, 2026

Editor

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

EPL: Chelsea Set To Sanction First Summer Transfer Under Alonso

Published

4 hours ago

May 28, 2026

Editor

Chelsea are set to sanction their first summer transfer under their new manager, Xabi Alonso.

According to the BBC Sport, the Blues are ‘open’ to selling Filip Jorgensen this summer after the goalkeeper indicated his desire to leave Stamford Bridge.

Jorgensen joined the Premier League west London club two seasons ago from Villarreal.

The 24-year-old shot-stopper was expected to compete for the number one position with goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, but he made just 11 Premier League appearances over the two seasons.

However, while the arrival of Alonso to Stamford Bridge could lead to a change in fortunes for Jorgensen, the report added that the Danish star has already expressed his desire to leave Chelsea this summer to get more regular playing game-time elsewhere.

Chelsea had blocked a potential exit for Jorgensen in the January transfer window, but the Premier League west London club are now open to a sale, with European and English clubs expected to explore a deal for the goalkeeper.

Sports

EPL: ‘Go For Alvarez’ – Paul Merson Hands Arsenal Two Signings To Make

Published

2 days ago

May 26, 2026

Editor

Arsenal legend, Paul Merson, has handed his old club two signings to make in the summer.

Merson wants Arsenal to sign Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez and a new midfielder.

“I would get a centre forward this summer, I would go for Julian Alvarez,” Merson said on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast.

“I am a big fan. If they could get him, I would. I still think they probably need another midfield player as well.”

Arsenal is expected to bolster its squad in the summer after winning the Premier League title ahead of Manchester City this season.

Sports

EPL: Wayne Rooney Picks Most Improved Player This Season

Published

2 days ago

May 26, 2026

Editor

Manchester United legend, Wayne Rooney, has picked the Red Devils defender Luke Shaw as the most improved player in the Premier League following the conclusion of the 2025/26 season.

Speaking on his BBC podcast, Rooney said, “I think, for me, Luke Shaw. I think Luke Shaw has been the most improved player this season.

“I know he is an experienced player now, but I think his level this season has been much better than it has been in recent seasons.

“People might look at Kobbie Mainoo but I don’t think he’s improved. It was just the fact he wasn’t playing under the former manager so it wasn’t good or bad.”

Shaw enjoyed one of his most consistent seasons at Man United and started all of Man United’s Premier League games.