FIFA Approves New Dates For Nigeria's Match Against Kenya And Malawi

The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), has approved the request by the Nigerian Football Federation to change the dates of two 2014 World Cup Qualifying Matches against Kenya and Malawi in the month of June.

FIFA has now moved all the group's tied to June 5 and June 12, 2013 respectively, as against the previous dates of June 8 and June 15, 2013.

Nigeria had feared that their rivals would earn an undue advantage, also the matches have been brought forward due to their participation in the Confederation Cup starting on June 15, 2013.

Nigeria are top of their qualifying group ahead of Malawi on goal difference- both sides have five points from three matches so far.

Before FIFA's rulling, the NFF's General Secretary, Musa Ahmadu, in a letter explained why they made the formal request.
The letter read:
"We make this request in the interest of fairness, as at the moment, Nigeria and Malawi have the same number of points, 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 as priority.

"It is important for us to go to the FIFA Confederations Cup and then return to Brazil a year later for the FIFA World Cup Finals."

Source: BBC