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FIFA announced on Tuesday that the opening goal in Nigeria’s 6-1 rout of Tahiti at the Confederations Cup had been credited as an own goal by the beaten side’s captain, Nicolas Vallar.
The fifth-minute goal in the Group B encounter in Belo Horizonte on Monday was initially awarded to Nigeria left-back Uwa Echiejile, whose shot deflected off Jonathan Tehau and Vallar before ricocheting into the net.
“Following further studies of the video of the match beween Tahiti and Nigeria on 17 June in Belo Horizonte, FIFA’s Technical Study Group has decided the first goal of Nigeria, scored in the fifth minute, was an own goal by Tahiti number 10 Nicolas Vallar,” read a statement from world governing body FIFA.
“The goal was initially awarded to Nigeria’s Uwa Echiejile but after careful review was credited as an own goal.”
Tehau also scored an own goal in the game, although he did find the net at the right end in the 54th minute, becoming the first player from Tahiti to score in a high-profile international tournament.
Echiejile also got on the score-sheet at Estadio Mineirao, converting his side’s final goal in the 80th minute.
