The Nigeria football federation were voted out of office on Saturday, accused of having botched the country’s World Cup campaign. But the Super Eagles face suspension from international competition if they do not restore the leadership to power by Tuesday.
Earlier in the week, a regional high court ordered the dismissal of the Nigerian football federation executive, including the president, Aminu Maigari. The court then appointed a temporary caretaker, who ordered the elections held on Saturday. A statement following the removal of the leadership read:
The Congress bemoaned the unfortunate incident of the international embarrassment caused by failure of the Aminu Maigari-led NFF to fully and firmly resolve issues of finance with the Super Eagles ahead of the championship.
Nigeria players threatened to strike before their Round of 16 matchup with France, but resumed training after several players spoke with the country’s president, who reassured them that their bonus money would be paid. Nigeria then held out for nearly 80 minutes against les bleus, before errors allowed France a 2-0 win and sent the Super Eagles home.
FIFA rules permit for the suspension of countries from international play when governments have interfered in the running of the country’s federation. The court order, the rapid call for new elections and the speed with which the federation’s executive was dismantled have FIFA concerned, which is why they are now threatening suspension if Nigeria do not restore the previous executive.