The Confederation of African Football (CAF) dismissed the Gambian Football Federation’s (GFF) appeal over James Olufade  eligibility to play for  Togo.

Gambia were drawn in Group D of the AFCON qualifiers alongside Algeria, Benin and Togo. Their complaint came following their 1-1 draw with latter.

The GFF claimed that James Olufade is Nigerian and isn’t eligible to represent the Togolese national team. The appeal was then dismissed, however the GFF came with another complaint stating that:

“In the match form provided by Togo, his name is listed Adewale Olufade but in the Caf system he is registered as James Adewale Olufade and his date of birth as 21 August 1994.”

CAF responded with a statement of their own following their Appeal Board meeting.

“On 13th January 2019, CAF Disciplinary Board decided to dismiss the protest lodged by the GFF and confirm eligibility of player James Adewale Olufade for the match no. 86: Gambia vs. Togo which was played in the frame of the TOTAL Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers 2019,” CAF published on their website.

“The decision was communicated to GFF on 21st January 2019.

“On 23rd January 2019 Gambia FF has appealed the decision of the CAF Disciplinary Board.

“Considering CAF statutes, regulations and Disciplinary Code; the Appeal Board decided as follows – Decision #002:
1. Declare the Appeal of Gambia Football Federation admissible in law; 2. Declare the Appeal of  Gambia Football Federation inadmissible in substance; 3. Confirm the decision of CAF Disciplinary Board with regard to the eligibility of player James Adewale Olufade to represent Togo national team.”

Olufade for teams in Togo and Cameroon including Dynamic Togolais Lome, ASFOSA Lome and finally Cameroon giants Union Duala.

The 24-year-old represented Togo on two occasions, one in their 0-0 draw with Benin and the other one with Gambia.

Gambia are currently bottom if their group with five points, just below Togo on goal difference. They’re just two points away from second-placed Benin, who Togo will face in their next game.