FIFA Issues Ultimatum to Nigerian Football Federation Amid Leadership Crisis
Nigeria’s football scene remains engulfed in turmoil as FIFA issued a stern ultimatum to the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) this Wednesday, demanding the reinstatement of Aminu Maigari’s leadership by September 8, 2014, or face suspension from all football activities.
This marks the third time in two months that FIFA has intervened in the ongoing crisis within the NFF, highlighting the seriousness of the dispute that continues to cast a shadow over Nigerian football.
The crisis traces back to August 26, when a controversial congress installed Chris Giwa as the new NFF president following the detention of then-president Aminu Maigari and his secretary. The upheaval was reportedly orchestrated by the Nigerian Minister of Sports, who opposed Maigari’s continued leadership of the federation.
The tension escalated shortly after Nigeria’s return from the 2014 FIFA World Cup, when a state decision removed Maigari from office, prompting FIFA to step in and restore order. At the time, FIFA confirmed the reinstatement of legitimate officials, lifting the federation’s suspension and calling for statutory order to be respected.
However, the dispute within Nigeria’s football governing body has persisted, causing widespread uncertainty. Matters worsened following a significant fire on August 20 that damaged part of the NFF’s headquarters. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, which further complicates the federation’s troubled environment.
FIFA’s latest ultimatum underscores the global football body’s intolerance for governmental interference in football administration. Failure to comply with the directive risks Nigeria’s suspension from all international and domestic football activities, jeopardising the progress of the nation’s teams and players.
The ongoing power struggle within the NFF not only threatens Nigerian football’s stability but also raises concerns about governance and transparency in the sport’s administration in Africa’s most populous country.
As the September 8 deadline approaches, the Nigerian football community watches anxiously, hoping for a resolution that will restore order and allow the country’s football to flourish once again.
