2014 World Cup: Nigeria Want Qualifiers Rescheduled

The Nigeria Football Federation has asked Fifa to reschedule the Super Eagles' 2014 World Cup qualifiers in June for fairness. The NFF argues that all the games in their group be played on the same days. Last week Fifa adjusted Nigeria's qualifiers as they are also going to play in the Confederations Cup in June. Nigeria are due to play Kenya in Nairobi on 5 June before travelling to play Namibia a week later and then onto Brazil for the Confederations Cup. The Confederations Cup, which features world champions Spain, the six continental champions and World Cup hosts Brazil, kicks off on 15 June. Nigeria have now proposed that their Group F matches as well as those involving closest rivals Malawi be played on the same day. This would either be on 5 and 12 June or the original dates of 8 and 15 June. Nigeria are top of their qualifying group ahead of Malawi on goal difference - both sides have five points from three matches so far. The NFF's general secretary Musa Amadu explained why they made a formal request to Fifa. "We make this request in the interest of fairness, as at the moment, Nigeria and Malawi have same number of points (five) and for Nigeria to play two days before Malawi in each of the two important qualifying games in June will give undue advantage to the Malawians," he said. "We see the Confederations Cup as a key tournament, but we also know we have to qualify for the 2014 World Cup finals as priority. "It is important to us to go to the FIFA Confederations Cup and then return to Brazil a year later for the FIFA World Cup finals."