FIFA bans Nigeria from international football
Nigeria as expected have been finally banned from international football by football’s governing body FIFA due to interference of government officials in the football matters of the country.
The suspension was on the cards as FIFA was strictly monitoring the role of the Nigerian government which has been very disturbing for the country’s football association and players who felt sabotaged by the continuously annoying
behaviour from the higher officials of their state.
Super Eagles of Nigeria flying journey finally came to halt as FIFA have taken the notice of the internal conflicts and have barred them from international fixtures. They previously escaped the punishment for the same offence three
months back.
In July, Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, reacted furiously over the early exit of national team from the world cup. He passed orders which stopped Nigerian team to take part in any international competition for two years
which didn’t go well with FIFA officials and they threatened to suspend the team but the words didn’t transform into legal action then. The Nigerian President took his decision back on the retaliation of FIFA and allowed the team to continue with their international
assignments.
But the curse followed them, three months on and now the superstars of Nigeria will not be able to wear their national colours. Representing your country is the biggest thing for a footballer in which he takes pride and the feeling
of playing for your national team cannot be replaced by anything.
The suspension doesn’t mean that Nigerian footballers will not be able to play for their clubs. There are several players who are playing their trade in different leagues of Europe for some of the top clubs of world. Though the
players can play for the top clubs in top competitions but the feeling of nationalism will be missing.
The footballers will be ruing the decision of FIFA as it will directly affect the nation and the players. The fans will not be able to see their favourite stars live in action and the stadiums will die down as empty arenas can
never survive without the shine of stars, echoes of crowd and the drama which unfolds in international matches.
The statement released by FIFA clearly indicates that they are not pleased by the way Nigerian football is being handled in the country. It further said that the suspension will be retained unless the newly elected Nigerian Football
Federation committee gets the power to work independently for the betterment of football in the country.
African Nations cup qualifier against Guinea was Nigeria’s next match but they will not be able to play. The chaotic administration had previously been witnessed as well and the latest scenes and the ban are not new for the world
and African nations.
Confederation of African Football (CAF) had previously banned Nigeria in 1996 when President Sani Abacha didn’t allowed his team to participate in the African Nations Cup finals in South Africa citing personal problems with Nelson
Mandela who openly criticized the Nigerian government’s role over the handling of football matters.
The ban means that Nigerian Football Federation will not be able to get the annual grant of $25,000. Nigeria have played in the World Cup four times, twice reaching the second round. Furthermore, they have also won the African
nations cup two times.
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