The Nigerian football association (NFA) have dismissed claims from their Liberian counterparts that they paid Ghana ?17,000 to throw the World Cup qualifier in Port Harcourt last July.

The chairman of the Liberian football association (LFA), Edwin Snowe, confirmed on Saturday that he had sent a letter to Fifa demanding that they look into events leading up to Nigeria's 3-0 win over Ghana.

But NFA spokesman Austin Mgbolu claims that the allegations are unfounded. "This is the most stupid thing I have ever heard anyone say. It's ridiculous and absurd," he raged.

Nigeria needed to beat Ghana in their final group match to seal their place in Japan and South Korea - something the Super Eagles had not done for over 17 years - knowing that any other result would see Liberia take their place in Japan and South Korea.

Mgbolu admitted that the Ghanaian FA did receive some money from the Nigerian politician Peter Odili, but he insisted that it was merely a "personal gift" and had nothing to do with the NFA.

"We didn't offer any financial inducements to the Ghanaians," revealed Mgbolu. "It was the Odili who gave both the Super Eagles and the Ghanaians money in a gesture of good will because the match was played in the city he oversees.

"What governor Odili did was to merely cement the cordial relationship and spirit of unity between our two countries. So it's wrong and unfair for anyone to capitalise on this and smear the image of Nigerian football."

Liberia's national team were heading for their first ever World Cup appearance when a home defeat to Ghana dented their chances of qualification.

Ironically, straight after Liberia's defeat, several Ghana players accused former World Player of the Year George Weah of offering them bribes to hand Liberia a victory.

LFA chief Snowe, meanwhile, is convinced that tghey have been the victims of an international conspiracy. "We heard the news on the BBC that money changed hands between the two sides," said Snowe.

"This confirms our earlier fears that Nigeria and Ghana would connive to kick Liberia from the World Cup race. We were shocked by the Ghanaian performance against Nigeria," he added.

"I am aware that our protest will not change the fact that Nigeria have qualified for the World Cup. But it should go down on record that an inquiry was set up to discipline the two teams."