Wigan´s Moses ruled out of Nigeria debut

Wigan Athletic forward Victor Moses will not play for Nigeria against Ethiopia after failing to gain international clearance.

The Nigerian Football Federation is yet to satisfy the conditions of governing body FIFA relating to Moses’ switch of allegiance from England. The 20-year-old, who has represented England in three age groups up to under-21 level, was called up by Nigeria for their African Cup of Nations qualifier in Abuja on Sunday.He was born in Nigeria and has lived in England from the age of 11, but is yet to make a full international appearance for either country.”FIFA have replied to our letter yesterday, but there are still some procedures to follow before Victor Moses will be eligible to play for Nigeria,” NFF acting secretary general Musa Amadu said.”FIFA requested more documentation on the player; a letter from the English FA assenting that the player only played for them in the age grade cadre and not at senior level; and a letter from the player indicating he wants to switch nationality and now wants to play for Nigeria.””The NFF have replied supplying all the necessary information; we are doing everything necessary including involving the foreign ministry on how to quickly resolve the matter.””But for Sunday’s match against Ethiopia Victor Moses will not feature for the Super Eagles.””We are doing everything possible to sort this out in a couple of days so that he will be eligible to play for Nigeria in subsequent matches.” Nigeria are second in Group B with three points from two matches. Guinea are top with six points.