THE Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory Football Association (FCT FA), Mohammed Adam Mukhtar, has cautioned Nigerians against assuming that a favourable ruling from FIFA would automatically secure a World Cup ticket for the Super Eagles.
News Point Nigeria Sport reports that Mukhtar made the remarks as anticipation builds over FIFA’s pending decision on Nigeria’s protest concerning the eligibility of several DR Congo players during a World Cup qualifying match.
FIFA had initially indicated that a verdict would be delivered on Monday, February 16. However, the decision is yet to be released, leaving Nigerian football fans anxiously awaiting clarity on the country’s qualification hopes.
Speaking during an interview on a national television channel, Mukhtar expressed optimism that FIFA could rule in Nigeria’s favour but warned that reinstatement into the qualification pathway is not the same as automatic qualification for the tournament.
“We are very positive as Nigerians that this could reinstate Nigeria onto the qualification pathway,” he said. “What people are actually getting excited about if they reinstate us into the qualifications — does not mean we are going to the World Cup. Two different things.”
His remarks come amid widespread excitement among supporters who believe a favourable ruling could significantly boost Nigeria’s chances of returning to the global stage.
Nigeria’s protest reportedly centres on allegations that DR Congo fielded ineligible players during a qualifying fixture. If FIFA rules in Nigeria’s favour, possible outcomes could include the annulment of the match result and the award of a 3–0 victory to Nigeria. In more far-reaching scenarios, DR Congo could face disqualification from the qualification process altogether.
However, Mukhtar emphasized that the final decision rests entirely with FIFA’s legal and regulatory framework.
“We don’t know, but we just have to wait — fingers crossed,” he said. “FIFA has a good set of top legal experts, and there are rules and regulations to it. Until we hear the ruling, we don’t want to pre-empt it. It could have a different scenario.”
Beyond Nigeria’s immediate qualification hopes, Mukhtar described the anticipated ruling as potentially historic for African football.
According to him, a strong decision enforcing player eligibility rules would serve as a deterrent to countries that might attempt to field ineligible players in future competitions.
“If we get a quality result, this is a major boost for us,” he noted. “But from FIFA’s perspective, I think it should be like a validation of regulatory enforcement on African football.”
He added that such a ruling could set an important precedent, particularly in cases involving nationality switches and changes of allegiance.
“It will set a precedent, and of course FIFA sends a very strong message on compliance. There will be more scrutiny when there is a nationality switch or change of allegiance,” Mukhtar explained.
For now, however, Nigerian football stakeholders and supporters must wait as FIFA concludes its review.
Mukhtar summed up the situation with measured optimism: “This could be a historical decision, a very important one that could reshape African qualifiers. There are a lot of implications and scenarios.”