Prayers by Nigeria’s Olympic Eagles for the Confederation of African Football, CAF, to disqualify Guinea U-23 team has been dismissed.
Nigeria prayed for CAF to struck out Guinea U-23 team for fielding overaged player during their AFCON qualifier fixture.
Nigeria was held in a barren draw by the Guineans in Abuja last March. But lost 2-0 to their opponents in a reverse fixture in Morocco.
And the Salisu Yusuf’s team argued that player Alsény Smouha, player of Horoya FC is an overaged player. Hence their prayer to CAF for elimination of Guinea U-23.
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Olympic Eagles pray CAF strikes out Guinea U-23
“As we speak. Of course, Nigeria have a solid case because the records in public domain suggests he altered his age to be eligible for this level,” a journalist in Guinea told OwngoalNigeria days after the match.
“Age cheat is a big issue down here, and there are fears that it could cost us the U-23 AFCON ticket.
“But it’s Nigeria and I doubt of your FA will even lodge a protest.
“We all know how you guys aren’t clean as well.”
But, a recent report by a Nigerian media house OwngoalNigeria has revealed the protest has been struck out by CAF.
According to CAF, the prayer wasn’t a solid one. And the Guinea Football Federation argued that the case is a misplacement of identity.
Guinea argued that Smouha is below the age of 23, and is qualified for the game. It stressed that the former Smouha is not who was fielded in the game against Nigeria.
And by the judgement of CAF, Nigeria is now expected to partake in the upcoming AFCON U-23 tournament on sidelines.
Also, Nigeria’s hope of having a shot at the next edition of the Olympic Games has been dashed.
The national team last featured at the Olympic Games in 2016. And they won Bronze 🏅 for the men’s football category.
