By Mark Baber
October 15 – Shortly before the first leg of their World Cup play-off against Ethiopia the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) banned former secretary general, Taiwo Ogunjobi, and the immediate past chairman of the Nigeria Premier League (NPL), Victor Rumson Baribote, for 10 and 15 years respectively from any football related activity.
The game, which saw an Ethiopian goal not given despite the ball having crossed the line, was followed by the Nigerian team coach being attacked by a furious mob.
The NFF executive committee issued a communiqué following its executive meeting in Addis Ababa, saying: “The committee, based on the report of an investigative committee headed by Barrister Chris Green, approved a 10-year ban from all football-related activities on one-time NFF General Secretary and former NFF Executive Committee member, Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi.
“Similarly, the committee, based on the report of an investigative committee headed by Emeka Inyama, approved a 15-year ban from all football-related activities on former NPL Chairman, Rumson Victor Baribote.
These decisions by the Executive Committee are subject to ratification of the Congress of Nigeria football at the next Annual General Assembly, as contained in the NFF Statutes.”
According to the communiqué, NFF board member, Barrister Olaleye Adepoju, Chairman of the Organising and Disciplinary Committee has been suspended due to bribery allegations. Both Ogunjobi and Baribote have been involved in long-running disputes with the NFF. Ogunjobi recently said: “You can imagine the extent people can go for politics. I am watching and waiting.” whilst Baribote has attempted to get FIFA involved in the dispute.
The communique also revealed that NFF board member, Barrister Olaleye Adepoju who is the Chairman of the Organising and Disciplinary Committee of the Federation has been suspended due to a bribery allegation made against him.
After the game, won 2-1 by Nigeria, Ethiopian fans reportedly went on a rampage in Addis Ababa attacking Nigerian businesses and setting cars on fire after feeling they had been robbed by the Cameroonian official. The Nigerian team bus was also attacked and Real Betis midfielder Nosa Igiebor suffered an injury to his palm, which needed the attention of the team doctor, when stones were thrown shattering the bus windows.
The incident has been reported to FIFA with NFF vice-president Mike Umeh saying that he hopes FIFA will take action.
Despite the on and off-field troubles, Nigerian are strongly favoured to make it to the World Cup in Brazil when they meet Ethiopia for the second leg in Calabar on November 16.
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