Nigeria run risk of points penalty over Moses
Reuters - Wednesday 23 March 2011, 19:19
JOHANNESBURG - Nigeria run the risk of
forfeiting points in the African Nations Cup qualifying campaign
if they play England youth international Victor Moses against
Ethiopia on Sunday.
Moses has been included in Nigeria's squad for the
qualifying match and is in Abuja preparing with the team, the
Nigerian Football Federation said.
But FIFA said on Wednesday it had not received an
application for the Wigan Athletic winger to change his national
status.
"As of today, FIFA has not received any such request from
Victor Moses or the Nigeria Football Federation," a FIFA
spokesman said in an email.
Moses, born in Nigeria's Kaduna but who has lived in England
since the age of 11, has been capped by England at under-17 and
under-21 level and if he wishes to play for Nigeria must first
apply to FIFA to formally change his international eligibility.
As Moses has dual nationality and has not played for
England's senior side, he is eligible for Nigeria once an
application has been made to FIFA.
World football's governing body said teams fielding
ineligible players in official matches would forfeit the points
and pay a minimum fine of 6,000 Swiss Francs ($6,611).
Nigeria trail leaders Guinea in qualifying Group B by three
points after winning one and losing one of their first two
fixtures.