Nigeria: Football Federation Makes Late Move for Moses’ Allegiance

Leadership (Abuja)

25 March 2011

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) applied yesterday to FIFA to allow former England U-21 player Victor Moses change his national status.

The Wigan winger, 20, was born in Kaduna and is currently in the Super Eagles camp in Abuja training for the Africa Cup of Nations match against Ethiopia this Sunday.

The NFF said it made the request earlier this week, but FIFA only received it yesterday.

FIFA said it was likely the process would take a number of working days. Before the NFF’s application, it had been feared that Nigeria might field Moses without FIFA clearance, for which it would have faced some points forfeit and fine.

The English FA, which is also to be consulted, said it had not received any approach by yesterday morning.

Moses has lived in England since the age of 11, and has been capped by the country at under-17, under-19 and under-21 levels. He has not played for England’s senior side, he is eligible for Nigeria – once an application to FIFA is approved. FIFA confirmed that teams fielding ineligible players in official matches would forfeit the points, and pay a minimum fine of 6,500 euros.

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