Scotland vs Nigeria subject to investigation by the NCA

Scotland’s international friendly against Nigeria was subject to investigation by the National Crime Agency (NCA), having been red flagged for potential match-fixing.

The national and international law enforcement agency tipped off the Scottish Football Association prior to Wednesday’s kick-off at Fulham’s Craven Cottage.

The match itself finished in a 2-2 draw, Nigeria scoring a late equaliser through Nwofor, after an Egwuekwe own goal had gifted the Tartan Army the lead. Celtic’s Charlie Mulgrew and Uchebo, who plays his club football with Belgian side Cercle Brugge, also netted earlier in the tie. It’s also believed that a number of World Cup warm up games are being scrutinised for betting patterns. However, any suggestion about player involvement hasn’t yet been made.

A NCA spokesperson said: “The NCA will from time to time provide operational detail necessary for public reassurance purposes. It does not routinely confirm or deny the existence of specific operations or provide ongoing commentary on operational activity.” The organisation has conducted match-fixing probes in the past, charging several Conference South footballers with conspiracy to defraud in December 2013 and January of this year.