FIFA reinstating S’ Eagles doesn’t guarantee World Cup spot – Mukhtar
The chairman of the Federal Capital Territory Football Association (FCT Football Association), Mohammed Adam Mukhtar, has warned that reinstating the Super Eagles into the World Cup qualification does not automatically secure a place in the tournament. Mukhtar made the remarks amid growing anticipation over FIFA’s pending verdict on Nigeria’s protest regarding the eligibility of several […]
Super Eagles players during a recent football game.
The chairman of the Federal Capital Territory Football Association (FCT Football Association), Mohammed Adam Mukhtar, has warned that reinstating the Super Eagles into the World Cup qualification does not automatically secure a place in the tournament.
Mukhtar made the remarks amid growing anticipation over FIFA’s pending verdict on Nigeria’s protest regarding the eligibility of several DR Congo players. FIFA had initially promised a decision on Monday, February 16, but the ruling is yet to be released, keeping the hopes of Nigerian football fans on edge.
Speaking during an interview on a national television channel, the FCT FA Chairman expressed optimism about a decision in Nigeria’s favour.
“We are very positive as Nigerians that this could reinstate Nigeria onto the qualification pathway. 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,” he said.
He further highlighted the potential historical significance of the ruling, noting that it could deter countries from fielding ineligible players in future matches. “If we get a quality result this is a major boost for us but from FIFA perspective I think it should be like a validation of regulatory enforcement on African football and that will be good for our football because in the future, a lot of countries that want to play such quick ones will think twice.
“So it will set a precedent and of course FIFA sends a very strong message on compliance and there will be more scrutinizing ideas when there is a nationality switch or change of allegiance,” Mukhtar said.
He also cited possible outcomes, including annulment of the match result with Nigeria awarded a 3-0 victory, or the disqualification of DR Congo from the qualification process. “We don’t know but we just have to wait until fingers crossed. FIFA has a good set of top legal experts and there are rules and regulations to it but of course the ruling until we hear it we don’t want to pre-empt it. It could have a different scenario.
“So this could be a historical decision, a very important one that could reshape Africa qualifiers and could be a landmark ruling that could go on to decide how countries behave in this instance. There are a lot of implications and scenarios,” he added.