UNDER FIRE ... coach Lars Lagerback
Following a poor showing at the World Cup, leader Goodluck Jonathan has SUSPENDED the team from international competition for two years.
Nigeria - whose party included the likes of Joseph Yobo, Yakubu, Dickson Etuhu, Danny Shittu and Kanu - fell at the first hurdle after earning just one point in the group stage.
President Jonathan wants an investigation into all funding of the World Cup squad including the hiring of Swedish coach Lars Lagerback.
Spokesman Ima Niboro said: "Mr President has directed Nigeria will withdraw from all international football competition for the next two years to enable Nigeria to reorganise its football.
"If any financial misappropriation is discovered, all officials responsible will be held accountable.
"The problem of Nigerian football is structural. We need to reorganise the structures and there is need to withdraw from all international football competition so that we can put our house in order."
Despite the risk of action from FIFA, who oppose political interference, all Nigerian teams and referees are barred from international football.
Nigeria will look to play friendlies as they rebuild.
A FIFA spokesman said: "Our position regarding political interference in football is well known."
ENGLAND boss Fabio Capello and his World Cup flops can count themselves lucky they do not play for Nigeria.
Because the Super Eagles have been grounded by their own PRESIDENT.Following a poor showing at the World Cup, leader Goodluck Jonathan has SUSPENDED the team from international competition for two years.
Nigeria - whose party included the likes of Joseph Yobo, Yakubu, Dickson Etuhu, Danny Shittu and Kanu - fell at the first hurdle after earning just one point in the group stage.
President Jonathan wants an investigation into all funding of the World Cup squad including the hiring of Swedish coach Lars Lagerback.
Spokesman Ima Niboro said: "Mr President has directed Nigeria will withdraw from all international football competition for the next two years to enable Nigeria to reorganise its football.
"If any financial misappropriation is discovered, all officials responsible will be held accountable.
"The problem of Nigerian football is structural. We need to reorganise the structures and there is need to withdraw from all international football competition so that we can put our house in order."
Despite the risk of action from FIFA, who oppose political interference, all Nigerian teams and referees are barred from international football.
Nigeria will look to play friendlies as they rebuild.
A FIFA spokesman said: "Our position regarding political interference in football is well known."
0 comments