The Nigeria Football Federation could yet get the U23 Eagles to feature in the Cup of Nations, albeit through the back door.
Nigeria failed in its bid to pick a qualification ticket to the U23 Africa Cup of Nations following a 2-0 aggregate loss to Guinea.
However, findings have unearth Guinea likely fielded as many as four players against Nigeria, and they were over the stipulated tournament age.
One of the players, Alseny Soumah scored against Nigeria. He allegedly declared to be a 22-year old, but records show a certain Alseny Soumah who is two years older.
FL gathered that the NFF have received full documentation of the findings and could move to save the skin of Salisu Yusuf, whose continued employment with the Federation has raised criticism against the body shielding the Coach despite his recent, repeated failures.
The NFF will present an official protest, requesting investigation into the Players’ eligibility and a disqualification verdict against Guinea will be expected, if they’re found guilty.
Only players born between the ages of 18 and 23 as of December 31st of the competition year, are eligible for selection, as the Continental tournament like the Olympic Games, are meant for that age grade.
Meanwhile a report, Wednesday, alleged that the Federation was bent on defending the underfire Salisu Yusuf and vows to stick with the Coach unless he opts to resign his appointment.
A source was quoted, who insists that, “For now? No, except he resigns. There are no plans of replacing the Tactician, he’s a capable hand I must tell you,” he said when contacted Wednesday morning.
“What is happening to Yusuf has happened to even bigger managers at one point or the other in their careers. With what we have seen him do with the boys under his care, he has done a wonderful job.
“Luck can ran out of anybody at any point in time. Our prayer is we maintain faith with the current administration, it is working round the clock to get things in order.”
However, whilst no FA official will verify the authenticity of the statement, the General Secretary has also not come out to officially deny the correspondence.
Morocco will host the 4th edition of the competition, which gets underway June 24.
