NFF makes U-turn over participation at 2014 African Nations Championship

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has made a U-turn after withdrawing from the qualifying rounds of the 2014 African Nations Championship (CHAN) and will now enter a team to represent the country.

The football body made it clear in April, that they would not participate in the competition, because it was not financially stable. However, the NFF spokesman Ademola Olajire told BBC Sport on Wednesday, that they have changed their mind.

“The team will play in the CHAN qualifiers,” he said.

“Despite the challenges we never formally withdraw (sic) from the championship itself, so there is nothing to reconfirm.

“This will be a great opportunity for the local players to showcase their talent on a continental level.

“The present crop of players are good enough to make it to the championship proper in South Africa.”

Nigeria has never qualified for the tournament, which was first hosted in 2009. Congo DR and Tunisia have emerged as winners of the first two editions.

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