Don't think so. The lens just isn't parallel to the film. Spherical
abberation is really a design fault (or 'limitation' in marketingese) and
wouldn't be introduced by a repair unless they re-ground the lens elements.

They

If it sticks, it might be wobbling from side to side, out of true. Try
twisting a magnifying glass sideways.
Either way, as far as you're concerned, it's stuffed. Reject quickly.

    (Nikon 'service' department)

Yup, seen it before on many occasions, I'm afraid.

All my photographers at the newspaper are members of Nikon's Pro service,
which theoretically expedites camera repairs down to a 2-3 day turnaround.
I wish that was always the case, as repairs have often taken 2 weeks which
whilst I realise may seem quick in amateur terms, when you're using them
professionally, day-in day-out, it's an eternity.

I've also had lenses sent back in worse condition when they were sent in
for repair. A case in point was a 35-70mm F2.8 D series, which came back
with a zoom action that was so stiff it needed two hands to operate. How
that lens was ever released as 'ready' defies me.

It is probably defective. Have them fix it again. It is way too soft
in some areas on some images. It needs adjustment. Also have them
fix the other problems.