July 4 – Former Nigerian coach Adegboye Onigbinde has advised the new leadership of the national federation under Chris Giwa not to be intimidated by any FIFA ban that might be imposed as a result of the current crisis.
In an interview with the local website Gongnews.net, Onigbinde, who took the Super Eagles to the 2002 finals – his second spell in charge – says a FIFA sanction could end up being a blessing in disguise.
The Nigerian government has reportedly installed Giwa and sacked Amaju Pinnick as NFF president following a court ruling which effectively overthrew the Pinnick-led regime.
FIFA has previously warned Nigeria that if implemented, court rulings would likely be considered to be an interference in the NFF’s internal affairs, which could result in sanctions.
But Onigbinde was quoted as saying: “The truth is our football is in the doldrums. This is a great opportunity to get things done right. I don’t care if we are banned by FIFA. If we are banned over the crisis and we use the one or two years to reposition and sanitise our football, then let it be.”
“My interest is on how we can grow the game in the country and not whether FIFA bans us or not. If it takes the ban for us to get it right, I think I strongly support that.”
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