Nigerian Football Federation suspended by FIFA

Governing body cites ‘government interference’ as reason.

RIO DE JANEIRO: Fifa on Wednesday suspended the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) with immediate effect over ‘government interference’.

The decision, in the aftermath of Nigeria’s World Cup last 16 loss, came after a court sacked the NFF and the government appointed a sole administrator for the country’s football shortly after the Super Eagles returned from Brazil.

“The Fifa Emergency Committee has decided today [Wednesday] to suspend the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) with immediate effect, on account of government interference,” explained a Fifa statement.

Unless the suspension is lifted, Nigeria will not be able to play in the upcoming Fifa Under-20 Women’s World Cup scheduled for August 5-24 in Canada.

Nigerians expressed shock and disappointment over the suspension.

The country’s U17 team, who are the defending world champions, are also in danger of missing out on the African Junior Championship next year in Niger as they have a qualifying match on July 20 in DR Congo.

Former Nigeria coach Christian Chukwu expressed disappointment over the ban, saying “our football will suffer a lot as this can only take us backwards”.

Former Lobi Stars and Akwa United coach Justin Tenger said it was a shame that Nigeria had to be told to do the right thing by Fifa.

“This is the saddest thing ever to happen to Nigerian football,” said Tenger.

“It’s too bad for another body to put our house in order for us, when we should organise ourselves better instead of what we are now witnessing.”

A football stakeholder Aminu Kurfi demanded the resignation of Sports Minister Tammy Danagogo for his alleged poor handling of the crisis that has rocked the country’s football.

“We talked to top officials that we are doomed, but they refused to heed our sincere warning and this is where we now find ourselves,” said Kurfi.

“The minister, a qualified lawyer, was misguided by those who ought to know better. He should quit on account of his poor handling of this matter.”

Published in The Express Tribune, July 11^th, 2014.

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