FIFA Orders NFA to file Defence

World football governing body, FIFA has waded into the $25,000 gift to the Ghanaian contingents shortly after a World Cup qualifier in Port-Harcourt, July 29.

In a fax letter to Nigeria Football Association (NFA) yesterday, FIFA asked Nigeria to file her defence for the allegation before its panel investigating the matter.

According to BBC report monitored in Lagos, it is expected that the World football authority, in conjunction with CAF, will reach a decision on the vexing issue before the week runs out.

The report which was silence on the source, did not indicate the type of sanction Nigeria faces if found guilty.

But a protest letter by Liberia last Friday, specifically asked FIFA to disqualify Nigeria based on the admission by Ghana FA Chairman, Ben Koufie that he collected the money from Rivers State Governor, Peter Odili.

Both Nigeria, and Ghana after a similar inquest, have maintained that the gesture was a goodwill gift from the governor who hosted most the Eagles' qualifiers.

On Monday, Odili's Commissioner of Sports, Igor Aguma dismissed the allegation and said that the governor made no contact whatsoever with the Ghanaian team until the match had been won and lost.

Besides, he added, it was a tradition that was equally extended to other teams that had equally played their matches in the city. Liberia was quick to deny receiving any gift from the Governor when they visited.

It could be recalled that at the same banquet for both Ghana and Nigerian teams after the match, the Super Eagles and their officials were also given $30,000 by the Governor.

He had always given a monetary reward to the Nigerian team for every match it won in the qualifiers in his domain as marks of appreciation and solidarity.