By Izuchukwu Okosi:
Former Super Eagles winger Edema Fuludu has joined the bandwagon of football technocrats who have expressed their dismay over the impending FIFA ban to be handed to Nigeria for perceived interference by the Federal government in the running of the game.
Nigeria will be barred from participating in all football competitions all over the world should the crisis rocking the Nigerian football family are not resolved by the end of business on Thursday, July 17 2014.
However, the strike by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria have made it nearly impossible for the case to be heard in court and only an out-of-court settlement could be the only way to settle the imbroglio barely 24 hours to the verdict from FIFA.
“I think the government is acting before thinking.
“How on earth would they allow this anomaly when they could have used all diplomatic machinery available before the Congress to out-muscle the NFF board into not contesting if they want the board out at all cost.
“The youth and future of our football is in jeopardy. I just hope the issues are resolved amicably. There is a short time left but hopefully, things can be sorted out. Let’s hope so but I have my doubt,” the one-time Calabar Rovers forward fumes while speaking with Completesportsnigeria.com
There was an expectations that a solution would be found between Wednesday evening and Thursday in the current impasse as stakeholders in Nigerian football are holding meetings with the wife of Victor Baribote-Rumson, Ibiakpo Baribote, who instituted the court case against the NFF board at the Jos High Court.
Baribote’s wife is giving conditions for the court case to be struck out which includes:
1. That the 15 years suspension imposed on her husband, Victor Rumson Baribote be lifted with immediate effect.
2. That her husband be reinstated as Second Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Football Federation and Chairman of the NPFL.
In a related development, FIFA have reportedly informed the South African Football Association that the Bayana Bayana could replace the Nigeria women U-20 team, the Falconets, if the country were to be banned from international football.
The draw for the FIFA Women’s U-20 World Cup will be held this Saturday, July 19th.
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