FIFA probes Argentina’s thrashing in Nigeria

Nigeria's Uche Ikechukwu, right, celebrates with his brother Uche Kalu, left, after he scored a goal against Argentina during an international friendly match. Nigeria won 4-1. File photo

FIFA is investigating Argentina’s 4-1 loss in Nigeria after betting patterns suggested it was targeted by match fixers.

It’s the highest profile match yet in a wave of recent suspicious international friendlies.

FIFA says Wednesday’s match in Lagos “was one that we had an active interest in, and forms part of a wider ongoing FIFA investigation.”

Referee Ibrahim Chaibou of Niger awarded two penalties, including one scored by Argentina in the eighth minute of second-half stoppage time.

Television replays suggested there was no handball offence by Nigeria as Chaibou indicated.

Hours before kick off, FIFA President Sepp Blatter launched his “Zero Tolerance” campaign to stop corruption in football.