Nigeria reacted to The Fédération Internationale de Football Association’s (FIFA) threat of sanctions following the dissolution of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and suspension of participation in tournaments for two years, warning that it was a sovereign nation and could not be dictated to by any country or organization.
The Sports Minister, Ibrahim Bio, said on Sunday in Abuja that he was aware that FIFA had given Nigeria 48 hours to rescind its decision but warned that the country had the right to carry out its administration for greater efficiency.
He said Nigeria was trying to sort out its football house without impinging on the FIFA rules but the organization could not hold the country to ransom.
“Nigeria will do everything possible to take the interest of the sovereignty of Nigeria first and foremost.
“If that is in conformity with FIFA rules so be it, but if it is not in conformity with FIFA rules, I think the sovereignty of Nigeria and interest of the people is most paramount.
“A situation whereby we have competitions and there seems to be no proper coordination between the supervisory ministry and NFF does not augur well for our football.
“What we presented at the World Cup was a shame. You cannot have cancer and continue to live with it because you don’t want to spill blood ; we are ready to spill blood to remove the cancer.
“We are fed up with the rot and corruption in football administration in Nigeria,” he said.
Source African Press Agency
African News from NetNewsPublisher.com
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