Nigerian Women Premier League side Abia Angels have been thrown out of Nigeria’s Club Cup competition, the AITEO Cup following irregularities in the registration of some of their players.
Angels, coached by former Nigerian national team star, Ann Chiejine had earlier eliminated fellow Premier League side Confluence Queens at the quarter final stage following a 3-2 aggregate victory.
The losing side however protested the participation of no fewer than nine of Abia Angels players on the grounds of ineligibility. Their appeal was upheld by the football body, Nigeria Football Federation on Thursday.
Head of AITEO Cup Competition at the Federation, Emmanuel Adesanya, who conveyed the decision said the Umuahia –based Angels have forfeited their slot in the semi finals, which will now be taken by Confluence Queens.
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Team Manager of Confluence Queens, Tosin Ojo told aclsports.com that it was a good decision for the game.
“It is a welcome development and it is good for the game itself. A lot of people will say football is a game for 90 minutes but it is being played inside the pitch and outside the field of play because there are rules guiding the game.
“The good thing is that Abia Angels are a very young side that did very well to beat Confluence Queens at the quarter finals, they did the same thing last season as well.
“But we were able to confirm that some of their players were not properly registered which would amount to cheating against Confluence Queens.”
“This is a second chance for Confluence Queens and we will ensure that we utilise it well so as to win the AITEO Cup title,” said Ojo.
Abia Angels coach, Chiejine when reached for comment by aclsports.com claimed she was oblivious of the new development.
“I don’t know about it, I’ve not heard. You’re the one just telling me, I’ve not heard,” said the former Super Falcons goalkeeper.
Confluence Queens will now face Ibom Angels in a two-legged semi-final duel with the first leg scheduled for Uyo on Saturday while Queens host the return on Wednesday, October 4.
