FIFA delays Super Eagles appeal verdict; DR Congo may avoid punishment
Ex-Super Eagles coach Jo Bonfrere claims FIFA's prolonged investigation into Nigeria's appeal against DR Congo's ineligible players suggests no wrongdoing was found. The 79-year-old stated FIFA's silence less than two weeks before the intercontinental play-off in Mexico (23-31 March 2026) indicates they may have cleared DR Congo. The appeal, submitted by Nigeria's NFF, accuses DR Congo of fielding ineligible players in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. FIFA's continued investigation despite the tight timeline could mean they found no evidence of violations. The intercontinental play-off determines Africa's final World Cup qualifier spot, with the tournament running from 11 June to 19 July 2026 across Mexico, the US, and Canada.