Former Nigeria coach Jo Bonfrere believes the delay by FIFA in delivering a verdict on a complaint filed by the Nigeria Football Federation may indicate that no wrongdoing has been found.
The NFF had petitioned FIFA over the alleged fielding of ineligible players by the DR Congo during their clash with Nigeria in the qualification pathway for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking from his home in the Netherlands, the 79-year-old said the governing body has had enough time to reach a decision.
“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 told Complete sports.
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The Dutchman suggested that if evidence of irregularities had been clear, a ruling might already have been delivered.
“Otherwise, I think it is quite enough time for FIFA to investigate the allegation and come up with a verdict,” he added.
The intercontinental play-off tournament is scheduled to take place in Mexico from 23 to 31 March 2026.
The expanded World Cup itself will run from 11 June to 19 July 2026 across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
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Bonfrere believes the continued silence from FIFA so close to the play-off could indicate that the case may not favour Nigeria.
“FIFA still investigating Nigeria’s protest till now may show they have not seen anything wrong with DR Congo,” he said.
“But keeping quiet or still investigating it less than two weeks before the play-off kicks off could mean they have not found anything wrong.”
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Bonfrere also warned that failing to qualify for another World Cup would be a significant setback for Nigerian football.
“It will not be nice for the Super Eagles to miss the 2026 World Cup finals after they were unable to qualify for the 2022 World Cup,” he said.
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Bonfrere has a long association with Nigerian football. He served as assistant to Clemens Westerhof when Nigeria won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations and later led the country to gold at the 1996 Summer Olympics.
