Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Doha: Indonesia's recently-naturalized duo Victor Igbonefo and Greg Nwokolo will not feature in the Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Qatar on Friday as the Indonesia football authorities (PSSI) have yet to receive confirmation from the Nigeria Football Federation that the duo has never played for the Nigerian national team.
The Pelita Jaya duo of defender Igbonefo (pictured), who played in the 2011 AFC Cup and 2010 AFC Champions League during his six-year stint with Persipura Jayapura, and striker Nwokolo, a veteran of six seasons in Indonesia at various clubs, were both granted Indonesia citizenship on October 10 but are still awaiting the final approval needed to make their international debuts.
"We have registered them with FIFA but we are still waiting for the NFF official statement," PSSI official Bernhard Limbong told the Jakarta Globe.
"Hopefully they can play in the next match against Iran."
Indonesia are anchored at the foot of Group E as the third round of World Cup qualifiers moves with three fixtures remaining and must defeat Qatar on Friday if they are to have any realistic chance of making it thorough to the next phase.
Photo: AFP