Nigeria lifts ban ahead of FIFA deadline

The Nigerian government have rescinded their decision to ban the national football team from all competitions, just ahead of a FIFA deadline.

FIFA had threatened to suspend and even expel the Nigerian Football Federation due to government interference, as well as withholding the €6.3 million due to the association from the World Cup.

But Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan has been convinced to change his mind after initially imposing the sanction as punishment for the Super Eagles’ disappointing tournament in South Africa.

A statement on the federation’s website read: “The president and commander-in-chief of the armed forces of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, on Monday graciously rescinded last Wednesday’s decision to withdraw Nigerian national football teams from FIFA/CAF football competitions.

“The decision was made known at the presidential villa on Monday evening as president Jonathan hearkened to the passionate appeals of top officials of the National Sports Commission, the Nigeria Football Federation, other concerned organs of government and well-meaning Nigerians on the matter.”

FIFA had earlier written to the federation, warning that they would be suspended if the Nigerian government had not backed down by yesterday.