FILE PHOTO: President of Nigeria Football Federation Amaju Pinnick speaks to the media in Abuja, Nigeria, July 25, 2016. REUTERS/Afolabi Sotunde Picture Supplied by Action Images
LAGOS/ABUJA (Reuters) - Nigeria acknowledged a FIFA-approved appointee as the sole head of its national soccer federation on Monday, minutes before the world body was due to ban the country from international matches over political interference in filling the post.
FIFA had said it would suspend Nigeria at 1100 GMT - thereby excluding the team from next month's African Nations Cup qualifiers - over alleged state meddling in the running of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF).
Already a subscriber? Log in.
Win a prize this Mother's Day by subscribing to our annual plan now! T&C applies.
Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
