FIFA warns Nigeria after football leader

arrested
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) Nigeria could be suspended by FIFA after the country's football
federation leaders were removed from office and its president was arrested on returning from the
World Cup. FIFA warned Nigeria's government on Friday it must reinstate the federation's
executive committee by Tuesday or risk a ban. "FIFA has also taken note of the detention of
NFF President Aminu Maigari carried out by representatives of the Department of the State
Security Service," the governing body said in a statement.
The turmoil follows Nigeria's 2-0 loss against France in the second round on Monday.
Nigeria's government also reacted aggressively after the Super Eagles' 2010 World Cup exit.
Then, state President Goodluck Jonathan threatened to shut down the national team for two years
before FIFA intervened.
FIFA rules protect its 209 member federations from government interference, and a suspension
bars teams and officials from taking part in international matches and meetings.

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Nigeria's goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama fails to gather a cross from which France's Paul
Pogba
A High Court session in the Nigerian capital Abuja on Thursday served a restraining order on the
country's football leaders.
The sports ministry also appointed one of its own officials to run the football body
FIFA wrote to the NFF "expressing its great concern over different actions taken by Nigerian
public authorities," it said.
An election meeting reportedly scheduled in Abuja on Saturday would not be recognized, FIFA
said.
FIFA said an official football congress was called for Aug. 26 and "only decisions and persons
elected then will be considered legitimate."
Nigeria reached the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time since 1998 after beating
Bosnia-Herzegovina 1-0 and drawing 0-0 with Iran. It also impressed when losing 3-2 against
Argentina.
Its next competitive matches are 2015 African Cup of Nations qualifiers in September.
SOURCE: http://news.yahoo.com/fifa-warns-nigeria-football-leader-arrested-210222824.html