The Confederation of
African Football (CAF) on Thursday moved the 2015 African U-17 Championship
qualifying match between Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo, set for
Lubumbashi, from Sunday, July 20 to Sunday, July 27.
CAF’s decision comes as
a welcome relief to the Nigeria Football Federation, whose officials patiently
await positive communication from FIFA on the suspension clamped on the country
on July 9, due to a court order barring the Aminu Maigari –led Executive
Committee from functioning.
On Wednesday evening,
in Jos, the case was withdrawn by the plaintiff, and on Thursday, the NFF
communicated same to FIFA, praying the suspension be lifted since the principal
reason for the clampdown had been met.
In its letter to the
NFF, the Federation Congolaise de Football Association (FECOFA), FECAFOOT and
the match officials, CAF declared that it was granting the grace of seven days
with high hopes that the suspension on Nigeria would be lifted in a couple of
days.
“Following the
suspension of Nigeria Football Federation by FIFA few days ago, please be
informed that CAF is hopeful that an end to this crisis will be found soon.
“However, in view of
the upcoming match scheduled between DR Congo and Nigeria U-17 national teams
on July 20th, 2014 in Lubumbashi, we wish to ensure that the African
youth players maintain their chance of playing competitive football for their
respective countries.
“As such, please be
informed that CAF decided to postpone the above mentioned match from July 20th
to July 27th, 2014.”
The match is the first
leg of a 2015 African U-17 Championship qualifying fixture, and is Nigeria’s
first step towards defending the world title she won in the United Arab
Emirates last year.
Venue of the match
remains TP Mazembe Stadium,
Lubumbashi, and kick-off is 3.30pm Congo time (2.30pm Nigeria time) on the new
date.
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