NFF Risks $1m Penalty Over Argentina Friendly Match

Organisers of the friendly international between Nigeria and Argentina on September 6 are considering providing a chartered aircraft to fly the Super Eagles from Madagascar to Dhaka.

But they have also warned that the country risked paying compensation of around a million dollars if they withdraw from the game.

Nigeria Football Federation, NFF Secretary General, Musa Amadu had signed a contract with the organisers, but executive committee members are unhappy with the timing of the match, which comes just three days after the Super Eagles play against Madagascar in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

“The contract provides for a compensation of around 1-million dollars if we fail to honour the game,” a top NFF official stated in Abuja.

“But they have informed us that they are willing to provide a chartered aircraft to help ease the discomfort of flying over such a long way to Asia.”

Nigeria coach Samson Siasia remains unhappy about the game, as are the majority of his squad.

Meanwhile, despite a recent run of good results, Nigeria’s slide down the FIFA Rankings table continued in the month of June, with the country dropping two places to 41 in the world.

However, with South Africa dropping nine places, Nigeria’s position on the continent remained safe at 5th. That was no consolation, as Burkina Faso jumped seven places to overtake Nigeria and move to 4th.