FIFA suspends Nigeria from international football

FIFA has reportedly been suspended Nigeria from all international football amid allegations of government interference in its football federation.

The ban implies that no Nigerian team, including club sides, can play internationally.

Nigeria's government had until Tuesday from FIFA to reinstate the sacked Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) executive committee, which was dissolved last week and replaced by a sole administrator, The BBC reported.

The world football governing body FIFA said in a statement that the suspension would be lifted once the properly elected NFF executive committee, the NFF general assembly and the NFF administration are able to work without any interference in their affairs.

The statement also said that during the period of suspension, the NFF might not be represented in any regional, continental or international competitions, including at club level, or in friendly matches.

The most immediate effect of the suspension is that Nigeria would not be entitled to participate in the upcoming Under-20 Women's World Cup, which kicks off on 5 August if the suspension is not lifted by 15 July.

Nigeria's government had said that their move was essential while legal proceedings against the country's football authority were ongoing, with NFF president Aminu Maigari arrested upon his return from the World Cup, the report added.