The sports minister,
Solomon Dalung, is unfazed by threats of a FIFA ban on Nigeria if the Giwa-run NFF stays in power.
President of the World football governing body, Gianni Infantino, had early stated during the 2018 Russia World Cup that Nigeria risked a ban as FIFA only recognizes Amaju Pinnick as the NFF President.
“If any external body thinks that they can change the situation, then of course Nigeria will risk being banned as it has happened with other countries because we have processes that need to be respected. It’s a very clear-cut and simple case. We have made this very clear.”
– Infantino
Dalung, however, told the NAN that the decision of the Supreme Court made on April 27, 2018 to restore running of the NFF to Giwa and his board will not be reversed.
“FIFA has not written me that they recognize one person over the other and you know government does not operate on rumour, government is administration.
“The leadership in NFF, I think is very categorical. The Federal High court in Jos has ruled orders. I, as a co-defendant, was served with the order, ordering me to recognize Giwa as the president.
“That is the order against me and I have done that. the order to the Inspector General of police is that he should go and put Giwa in office.The Attorney-General of the Federation has done his job. So we are living under the rule of law and we are following the rule.”
A FIFA barn on Nigeria could cripple football in the country and greatly affect home based players. It would be in the interest of Nigerians, whose livelihood are tied to the sport, if the ministry of sports and the NFF handle the situation with great tact.
