SAN FRANCISCO, November 10, (THEWILL) – The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is hard at work to ensure it has a sufficient number of footballers for the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone so as not to run afoul of a new Confederation of African Football (CAF) rule.
This new CAF rule states that each team must have at least 15 players, that is 11 starters plus four substitutes before an AFCON qualifier will go ahead. Any team that fails to meet this criterion and, by extension, does not play will have failed to fulfil an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture. As a penalty, such a team would be handed a 2-0 defeat.
THEWILL reported earlier that the NFF invited 23 players for the game against Sierra Leone. However, recent decisions by European countries to shut their borders due to spikes in the spread of COVID-19 infections have made it difficult for some invited players to arrive in Nigeria in time for the game.
Ademola Olajire, NFF Media Director, said the federation may resort to players in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) if those invited fail to make the trip to Benin.
“We are not at that juncture yet. I have no way of reading the coach’s mind on that option,” he clarified.
CAF’s recent guidelines for the AFCON qualifier series is to avoid a situation where the coronavirus pandemic affects some of the 48 Matchday three and four qualifiers to be played over seven days from tomorrow.
Four international friendlies involving African countries were cancelled last month, two in Portugal, one in Turkey and one in Senegal, because of COVID-19.
Femi Raji, the Super Eagles Media Officer, disclosed yesterday morning that five of the squad players invited have arrived in camp, adding that more were still being expected. Among the early birds are Kelechi Iheanacho, Oghenekaro Etebo, Maduka Okoye, Ahmed Musa and Paul Onuachu.
ALSO READ: NFF Reads Riot Act To Coaches, Agents, Parents
Furthermore, CAF has categorically stated that no journalists or supporters should be allowed inside the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City for the AFCON qualifier.
CAF instructed, under Media Operations, that there would be no mixed zone, virtual press conference only if possible (media officers from both teams only), and that only the TV channels with the rights will be allowed flash interviews. Also, only photographers of participating teams would be allowed at the match.
The above puts to rest all previous speculations about spectators at the match venue, and whether members of the media would be allowed into the arena.
Bola Oyeyode, NFF’s Director of Competitions, yesterday said only individuals accredited by the NFF would be allowed inside the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium for the Day 3 qualifier.
The match kicks off at 5.00 pm Nigeria time.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
