Chelsea Blast Ghana Referee Over Penalty Decision Awarded Against Aina

English Premier League side Chelsea have questioned the penalty decision awarded against Nigeria in their 1-1 draw with Democratic Republic of Congo in an international friendly in Port Harcourt on Monday evening.

Ghana referee Issaka Afful pointed to the spot and issued a yellow card to left-back Ola Aina for fouling Issama Mpeko, however, television replays show the offense was committed outside the box.

Apart from Ola Aina being monitored, Chelsea had interest in this game because Kenneth Omeruo also figured for the Super Eagles, while their first-teamer Victor Moses and ex-player Obi Mikel are part of Nigeria's preliminary roster for the World Cup.

Reviewing the friendly between Nigeria and DR Congo, Chelsea stated on their official webpage : ''In Africa, Nigeria drew 1-1 in a home friendly against Congo.

''Victor Moses was not involved but Ola Aina and Kenneth Omeruo came off the bench for the Super Eagles, who are in a tough group at the World Cup alongside Argentina, Croatia and Iceland.

''William Troost-Ekong gave Nigeria the lead but a penalty harshly awarded against Aina late on levelled the scores up in Port Harcourt. Nigeria play England at Wembley on Saturday. ''

Former England U19 skipper Ola Aina won his fourth cap for the Super Eagles in yesterday's game.

Igho Kingsley