Former Super Eagles striker, Odion Ighalo has weighed in on Nigeria’s ongoing dispute with DR Congo, expressing doubts about the potential outcome of taking the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Reacting to the situation, Ighalo suggested that pursuing the case further may not yield a positive result unless Nigeria presents an exceptionally strong argument.
“They said they fielded players that are meant to to play, it’s a very difficult one because they must have a very strong case to qualify for World Cup because FIFA is not CAF that will handover ticket to Nigeria.
“They must have a very strong case I pray it will favour Nigeria because this boys deserve to be in the World Cup; because Osimhen is doing so well he deserves to be in the World Cup. He is a baller, same with Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze.”
Nigeria petitioned FIFA over DR Congo, alleging that certain players in the team were ineligible due to issues surrounding their citizenship status, which allegedly contravenes the country’s laws.
However, FIFA has already reviewed the complaint and rejected Nigeria’s claims.
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In response, Nigeria has indicated its intention to escalate the matter to the FIFA Appeal Committee, and if necessary, proceed to CAS.
Despite these efforts, the situation appears increasingly uncertain for Nigeria, especially as DR Congo is set to face Jamaica on March.
Ighalo’s comments reflect a broader concern among fans and stakeholders, emphasizing both the difficulty of overturning FIFA decisions and the need for a watertight case if Nigeria hopes to achieve a different outcome.
