Nigeria Content Online

Contrary to
expectations that the world football governing body, FIFA, will be
quick to take a decision on Nigeria’s resolution to withdraw it’s
national team from international engagements and the dissolution of the
football federation, the body has instead stated that it is not in
haste to take any action as it will have to study the report it has
before taking any stance.

Addressing a
briefing in South Africa yesterday, FIFA spokesman Nicolas Maingot
confirmed that Nigeria’s government has officially notified FIFA of its
action. “We have been now officially informed of that and we are
looking at this case,” Maingot said. “We need a little bit of time.”
FIFA over the years have maintained a strong stand on government
interference in football insisting that football should not be mixed
with politics.

The rules

According to FIFA
rules, national federations are required to manage their affairs
independently or face suspension from world football. In the event of
suspension; national and club teams cannot play in international
competitions, and football officials are barred from attending
meetings. “This is clearly outlined in the FIFA statutes,” said
Maingot, adding that “we are not at the step of taking sanctions.”
Aware of the possible punishment the country could suffer for its
actions, former Super Eagles player, Garba Lawal, appealed to FIFA to
temper justice with mercy as the government action was only geared
towards improving the country’s football “We all know what the rule
says but I hope FIFA will not be too hard on us, Nigerians love
football and a ban would be a painful thing” he said.

Similarly, Super
Eagles defender, Adefemi Olubayo also added his voice as he opined that
football is a uniting factor in the country and it would not be good to
starve the populace of it. A standoff between the government and FIFA
could threaten Nigeria’s place in the FIFA-run Under-20 Women’s World
Cup, which kicks off July 13 in Germany. Nigerian club side, Heartland,
could also lose its spot in the African Champions League with the team
scheduled to host Egypt’s Al-Ahly in two weeks’ time. The Super Eagles
next engagement is scheduled for early September against Madagascar in
a qualifier for the 2012 African Cup of Nations. Events in the next
couple of days would determine the turn of events.

Reason for action

The Super Eagles
poor performance at the World Cup, and the need to re-organise the
country’s football were some of the reasons adduced for the
presidential action. Nigeria was eliminated from the World Cup with
only one point after a 2-2 draw with South Korea in its last game.
Nigeria lost to Argentina 1-0 in its Group B opener, and was beaten 2-1
by Greece.

Outside this, the
president’s spokesman, Ima Niboro, also revealed that appropriate
authorities will also investigate corruption allegations against the
football federation. “All funds directed toward the federation would be
examined and all those found wanting will be sanctioned,” he said.

Meanwhile, Nigeria is scheduled to receive prize money of US$8 million from FIFA for participating in the World Cup.