FIFA might Lift Nigeria’s Suspension Soon
By Opeyemi Oladunjoye
Nigeria have met FIFA’s conditions to lift its ban on the country after a regional high court quashed an order restraining the board of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) from office.
FIFA had punished Nigeria for government interference after the NFF board was replaced by a sole administrator and given a 17 July deadline to reverse the decision, despite the government’s claim it was a matter for the courts. The original deadline had been extended from 15 July because of a strike by judiciary workers’ strike.
As the private legal action was withdrawn on Wednesday allowing the NFF to return, FIFA is yet to announce whether it will now end the country’s suspension from all international football.
Nigeria’s participation in the Under-20 Women’s World Cup that starts in August in Canada remains under threat – as well as the men’s under-17 side’s participation in an African Championship qualifier this weekend.
The Super Eagles are also expected to defend their Africa Cup of Nations title when qualifying matches start in September. The tournament kicks off next January in Morocco.