Nigeria risk a FIFA ban after a Federal High Court sitting in Jos, Plateau State Friday sacked Amaju Pinnick as President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
Factional NFF President, Chris Giwa, was ordered to immediately resume office as boss of the football federation.
The duo of Adama Yahaya and Obinna Ogba had approached the court to re-list the suit against Pinnick which they withdrew after the intervention of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Speaking with Channels Television, Giwa said “This is victory for Nigeria football. The right ruling has been made and we are taking over immediately.”
Pinnick confirmed the ruling, adding that it was a setback for Nigerian football.
”It is sad we are still taking football matters to court. The NFF will file for stay of execution and later appeal the case.”
World football governing body, FIFA, frowns at football matters being taken to civil courts and threatened to ban Nigeria the last time the matter went to court.
In July 2014, FIFA warned it would suspend Nigeria after a court order prevented the NFF from running the sport.
The order was later shelved following the intervention of former President Goodluck Jonathan and the country was not sanctioned.
But a FIFA ban now could affect the country’s participation in the qualifying tournament for the 2018 World Cup, which begins in October.
It will also mean the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations champions and clubs from the country cannot feature in international competitions.
