The General Deceased of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Dr. Mohammed Sanusi says they have a strong case in the protest submitted to world football governing body FIFA, against DR Congo fielding ineligible players against Nigeria in the world cup qualifiers playoff, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Nigeria lost in the final of the world cup playoff to DR Congo and filled a protest to CAF questioning the eligibility of around seven players who played in that game, on the account that they got approval to play using passports that were illegally gotten.
According to the protest of the NFF, before anyone is issued a passport of DR Congo they must rescind their previous nationality because the country doesn’t recognise dual citizenship. The players didn’t do that and somehow got the Congolese passport submitted to FIFA for clearance.
“We believe we have a strong case. We do not pursue matters that we consider an exercise in futility. As far as we are concerned, we have presented a solid case and are waiting to hear FIFA’s decision regarding the issues we have raised,” he stated.
A ruling is expected next month and the recent decision by FIFA to nullify results by Malaysia for a similar offence of players getting passport through illegal means has further strengthen their beliefs.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
