FIFA has ignored Nigeria’s defence on the use of a player that was
ineligible during the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Algeria that
was played in Constantine on Friday, 10th November 2017, thus awarding
the match to Algeria.
However, the sanction does not in any way abort Nigeria’s qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals, as the Super Eagles had picked the ticket from Group B ahead of the clash in Constantine already.
The decision of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee which sat on the matter read, inter alia: “The Nigeria Football Federation is liable for having breached art.55 par.1 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and art. 8 of the 2018 Regulations of the FIFA World Cup Russia.
“The match played within the frame of the preliminary competition of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia between Algeria and Nigeria on 10 November 2017 is declared to be lost by forfeit by Nigeria (3-0).” The NFF was also fined the sum of 6,000 Swiss Francs.
The match ended 1-1. Following the decision, Nigeria’s total points tally reduced by just one, to 13, while Algeria moved from 2 to 4 points.
FIFA had hinted the NFF about the disciplinary proceedings, following the use of defender Abdullahi Shehu in the said match. Shehu had received a yellow card in the match against Zambia in Uyo on 7th October 2017 (the match in which victory guaranteed Nigeria a place in Russia), making it a second for him in the qualifying race, following an earlier yellow card against Swaziland in the preliminary round.
Traditionally, yellow cards issued in previous rounds of the qualifying race are canceled going forward, but the principle did not apply to the latest series.
However, a miffed NFF President Pinnick has directed that an internal inquiry is instituted immediately and persons found culpable be dealt with. “We accept the decision of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee to fine the NFF and award the match to Algeria.
However, the sanction does not in any way abort Nigeria’s qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals, as the Super Eagles had picked the ticket from Group B ahead of the clash in Constantine already.
The decision of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee which sat on the matter read, inter alia: “The Nigeria Football Federation is liable for having breached art.55 par.1 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and art. 8 of the 2018 Regulations of the FIFA World Cup Russia.
“The match played within the frame of the preliminary competition of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia between Algeria and Nigeria on 10 November 2017 is declared to be lost by forfeit by Nigeria (3-0).” The NFF was also fined the sum of 6,000 Swiss Francs.
The match ended 1-1. Following the decision, Nigeria’s total points tally reduced by just one, to 13, while Algeria moved from 2 to 4 points.
FIFA had hinted the NFF about the disciplinary proceedings, following the use of defender Abdullahi Shehu in the said match. Shehu had received a yellow card in the match against Zambia in Uyo on 7th October 2017 (the match in which victory guaranteed Nigeria a place in Russia), making it a second for him in the qualifying race, following an earlier yellow card against Swaziland in the preliminary round.
Traditionally, yellow cards issued in previous rounds of the qualifying race are canceled going forward, but the principle did not apply to the latest series.
However, a miffed NFF President Pinnick has directed that an internal inquiry is instituted immediately and persons found culpable be dealt with. “We accept the decision of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee to fine the NFF and award the match to Algeria.
“However, this is a grave error and somebody must be punished. We apologize to Nigerians for this and assure that this will not in any way derail or even distract us in our well –laid plan to ensure that the Super Eagles have a great outing in Russia.
“At the same time, I want to assure that persons responsible for this slip would not be given just a slap on the wrist. We are actually looking at a re-organization of the Technical Department. The Technical Committee will henceforth play serious superintending role on all details, no matter how minute, in technical matters.
“It is important that all committees and departments at the NFF should move at the same pace as the Executive Committee,” stated Pinnick.
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