A Nigeria-born footballer, James Adewale Olufade is at the centre of a nationality dispute that could keep Togo under the critical searchlight of Confederation of African Football (CAF) for several weeks to come.
This is sequel to reports that Gambia have raised objection over Togo’s decision to field the 24-year-old defender, who has played for clubs in Togo and Cameroon, against them in last weekend’s AFCON qualifier.
Footballlive.ng gathered that Gambia are have already tabled a formal protest, despite facts showing that Olufade made his international debut for Togo in a 0-0 draw with Benin Republic in September.
It was gathered further that Gambia Football Federation (GFF) wrote a formal complaint to CAF over the eligibility of Olufade, who played for Togo in their 1-1 with the Gambians on Sunday and was in the team for Tuesday’s return leg, which his side won 1-0 but he did not play.
Although the Union Douala of Cameroon product would easily bring memories of former Togo star, Adékambi Olufadé, who was called up in The Hawks’ squad to the 2006 World Cup, GFF say the player in question is a Nigerian and is not eligible to play for Togo.
The GFF stated: “In the match form provided by Togo, his name is listed Adewale Oloufade but in the Caf system he is registered as James Adewale Olufade and his date of birth as 21 August 1994.”
