Flying Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi has urged the bigwigs of the Nigeria Footbal Federation and other Nigerians who are hard pressed to take the NFF to civil court to settle their differences as the impasse could derail the country’s football.
Awoniyi, who has rejoined his Swedish club, Kalmar FF spoke exclusively to Completesportsnigeria.com from his base on Saturday.
“I don’t have much to say. Whatever will help Nigerian football grow is all I want for the sake of the young
footballers, who want to be the best in what we do. This is the time to move forward. We want progress. I’m now in my club focusing on club football again after the AYC round of qualifiers. We look forward to the next stage.”
According to a statement from FIFA released on Friday, the country’s State Security Service arrested Nigeria
Football Federation (NFF) president Aminu Maigari, while the Nigerian government have installed Lawrence Longyir Katiken to run the national governing body.
“FIFA has reminded the NFF that all FIFA member associations have to manage their affairs independently and without influence of any third parties,” the statement on FIFA’s website read.
The statement continued: “FIFA will not recognize any person or organ not elected in compliance with the NFF
statutes…and therefore it will not consider the appointment made by the Minister of Sports.
“An elective Congress has been duly convened by the NFF for August 26, 2014 and only decisions and persons elected then will be considered legitimate.
“The NFF has been asked to relay FIFA’s position to the relevant authorities and inform them that if the aforementioned NFF officials are not fully reinstated by Tuesday July 8, 2014 the case will be referred to the
appropriate FIFA bodies for sanctions, including the potential suspension of the NFF.”
The Super Eagles of Nigeria reached the round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup in Brazil before being eliminated by
France.
Completesportsnigeria.com gathered that far-reaching discussions are being held in Abuja today (Saturday, 5 July) to avert a FIFA ban.
By Izuchukwu Okosi
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