Ex-Super Eagles head coach, Jo Bonfrere, has claimed that FIFA’s delay in delivering a verdict on the appeal submitted by the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, accusing the Democratic Republic of Congo of fielding ineligible players, could mean nothing significant in the complaint.
The 79-year-old stated this in an interview with Complete Sports.
“I think FIFA do not seem to have found any wrongdoing by DR Congo in the petition. That could be the reason they are still investigating,” Bonfrere said.
Otherwise, I think it is quite enough time for FIFA to investigate the allegation and come up with a verdict.
“FIFA, still investigating Nigeria’s protest till now may show they have not seen anything wrong with DR Congo,” he explained.
“I think it is enough time for them to resolve the matter and release their verdict so the issue can rest.
“But keeping quiet – or should I say still investigating it – less than two weeks before the play-off kicks off could mean they have not found anything wrong with DR Congo.”
The intercontinental play-off is scheduled to take place in Mexico from 23–31 March 2026, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to run from 11 June to 19 July 2026 across Mexico, the United States, and Canada.