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Dis quote need to be framed!
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Nigeria make Cole call-up blunder
By Oluwashina Okeleji
BBC Sport, Lagos
In a bizarre move, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has called up an ineligible player for their forthcoming 2010 World Cup qualifiers.
West Ham United striker Carlton Cole is in the squad for the games against South Africa in September and Sierra Leone in October.
Cole, who has a Nigerian father and Sierra Leonean mother, has played for England at under-21 level.
But he cannot switch allegiance to Nigeria as he is now 24 years old.
Fifa allows players who have represented one country at junior level to switch to another country.
But the statutes of world football's governing body state that this can only happen if they are still under the age of 21.
Cole, whose full name is Carlton Cole Okirie, was born in England.
In the past, he had apparently been keen on playing for Nigeria, but he accepted an England under-21 call-up when he felt he had been overlooked by the Super Eagles.
Another surprise name included in the 20-man squad released by the NFF is defender Daniel Ola, who holds a Ghanaian passport.
The former Lazio and Chievo player, is now with Italian Serie B club AC Cesena.
Newcastle United striker Obafemi Martins, who missed all four first round qualifiers in June due to injury, has been recalled.
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