FIFA monitoring Nigeria suspension reports

FIFA will monitor reports emanating out of Nigeria that the country’s president has banned the national squad from international competition for two years after their disappointing World Cup.

A presidential spokesman made the announcement in Lagos today after the Super Eagles bowed out of the tournament with just one point.

FIFA said in a statement: “We have no official information on this matter. However, in general, FIFA’s position regarding political interference in football is well known.”

In previous cases, FIFA have suspended a national association where governments have intervened in the running of the game.

The Nigerian FA have apologised for the team’s showing, saying in a statement: “Discipline will continue to be key issue in Nigerian national team camps, national youth teams will be exposed to more international tournaments and the senior teams will be made to play more friendly games.”