FIFA World Cup: Nigeria Force Draw in Controversial Friendly vs Scotland
The build-up to the game between the Africa Cup of Nations champions and the improving Scots had been overshadowed by reports that Britain's serious crime squad had launched a match fixing investigation.
World Cup finals bound Nigeria had to come from behind twice to draw 2-2 with Scotland in London in a match which is subject to a match fixing investigation.
The build-up to the game between the Africa Cup of Nations champions and the improving Scots had been overshadowed by reports that Britain's serious crime squad had launched a match fixing investigation.
The National Crime Agency, which investigates serious and organised crime, is said to have asked world football's governing body FIFA to issue an alert over attempts to influence the game at Fulham's stadium Craven Cottage.
The NCA are said to have told FIFA they have general information from Asian betting markets suggesting there had been attempts to rig the friendly and they hoped to stop any suspect activities by issuing the alert.
A FIFA spokesman said they worked closely with law enforcement agencies and other sports organisations to tackle match manipulation, and encouraged anyone with information to contact their integrity hotline or confidential reporting system.
On the pitch Scotland -- now unbeaten in six games under Gordon Strachan -- made the perfect start as Charlie Mulgrew opened the scoring after 10 minutes before Michael Uchebo equalised with four minutes left of the first half.
Scotland came out with plenty of fight after the break and Nigerian goalkeeper Azubuike Egwuekwe turned in James Morrison's cross in the 52nd minute to put the Scots back into the lead.