Following the Federal Government’s swift action, FIFA say Nigeria have met the required conditions. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have avoided a ban from FIFA following the intervention of the Federal Government who swiftly swung into action to reinstate Amaju Pinnick as President.FIFA had given Nigeria until today, Monday, August 20 to hand the running of the NFF back to Pinnick whom they recognise as the legitimate leader of the federation or risk a ban after faction leader Chris Giwa took over office citing a Jos Federal High order that backed his 2014 election.With Nigeria running a risk of the ban, the Federal Government quickly intervened and wrote to FIFA, informing the football body that the NFF have been handed back to Pinnick.Following the Federal Government’s swift action, FIFA say Nigeria have met the conditions set by their Statuses. “Following the decision of the Bureau of the FIFA Council of 13 August 2018 concerning the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), FIFA received confirmations that the legitimate leadership of the NFF under President Amaju Melvin Pinnick and General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi has been given back effective control of the NFF and its offices,” world football’s governing body said on their website. “In view of these circumstances, FIFA deems that the conditions set by the decision of the Bureau of the FIFA Council have now been met and consequently the suspension of the NFF will not take effect.“FIFA will continue to closely monitor the situation in order to ensure that FIFA’s rules and regulations are fully adhered to.”It was Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo who was acting as the acting-President with President Muhammadu Buhari on vacation that wrote to FIFA. “The FG has already conveyed to FIFA its firm position recognizing Amaju Pinnick-led NFF as the current and only NFF Exco,” Laolu Akande, the Senior Special Assistant-Media and Publicity to said on Twitter.“Govt will also continue to work with all relevant stakeholders involved to resolve dispute in a timely manner. FG is upholding NFF treaty obligations to FIFA.”After avoiding the ban, the Super Eagles of Nigeria can now go ahead to play their upcoming 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers on Saturday, September 7.
