Nigeria will participate in next year’s World Cup finals in Russia despite being docked two points for fielding an ineligible player in a qualifier against Algeria, FIFA says.
Nigeria, who had already qualified for the finals, drew 1-1 but soccer’s world governing body, FIFA, awarded the match to Algeria by a 3-0 scoreline after the Super Eagles fielded the ineligible Abdullahi Shehu.
Shehu had failed to serve a one-match ban for accumulated yellow cards.
“This sanction bears no impact on the final result of the preliminary competition for the FIFA World Cup since Nigeria had already qualified (and Algeria were eliminated) before the match took place,” FIFA said in a statement.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) said on Twitter that it accepted the decision.
FIFA sanction to Nigeria for use of ineligible player: NFF President has directed that an internal inquiry be instituted immediately & persons found culpable be dealt with. “We accept the decision of the FIFA Disciplinary C'ttee to fine the NFF and award the match to Algeria. 1/3
— The NFF 🇳🇬 (@thenff) December 12, 2017
The federation president, Amaju Pinnick, has also taken to Twitter to offer his apologies.
Good morning. I'll start by tendering my wholehearted apology to Nigeria and Nigerians for the Shehu Abdullahi error. It is unforgivable and could have undone months of hard work. As head of the Federation, I take responsibility for this. It happened on my watch.
— Amaju Melvin Pinnick (@PinnickAmaju) December 13, 2017
Nigeria, who topped African Group B, finished on 12 points instead of 14, four clear of second-placed Zambia. Algeria still came bottom of the standings.
Nigeria will face Iceland, Croatia and Argentina in their World Cup group in Russia.
