Chad have backed out of the qualifying race for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON.
The West African country cited financial constraints for their decision.
This decision may affect Nigeria’s chances of making it to the 2017 AFCON unless the Super Eagles do well enough to topple Egypt at the top of the standings in Group G, with two games now left to play.
PREMIUM TIMES understands that with Chad’s withdrawal, all the results secured against them in the series will be cancelled and there will be little chance for any team to emerge from Group G as one of the best two losers that will join the other group winners to take part in the 2017 AFCON billed for Gabon.
The Chadians were beaten 1-0 at home by Tanzania over the weekend in round three of the qualifying series but their withdrawal now makes the group complicated.
An official statement by Chad signed by FA general secretary, Moctar Mahamoud, said the country will not be in Tanzania for Monday’s AFCON qualifier due to the harsh economic realities, which has also affected their participation in other international competitions.
Chad are bottom of Group G with no points having lost their matches against Nigeria, Egypt and Tanzania. Egypt top the group with seven points while Nigeria have five points.
If they had not withdrawn, besides the trip to Tanzania, Chad are also due to host Nigeria in June before a final group game against Egypt.
Nigeria did not qualify for the last Nations Cup won by the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire.
www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/200884-afcon-qualifiers-chad-withdraw-race-complicate-nigerias-chance.html
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