Nigeria lifts ban on national team

Updated at: 1200 PST, Tuesday, July 06, 2010 ABUJA: Nigeria's government lifted a two-year ban it imposed on its national football team after a dismal World Cup showing, avoiding a collision with world governing body FIFA in the process. The government issued a statement saying the country's football federation apologised to the president and informed him that the national team would be disbanded with the aim of building a new one. "Based on these assurances, and the appeals of well-meaning Nigerians, including former leaders, President Goodluck Jonathan has decided to review the earlier two-year ban on the country from all international football competitions," it said. Nigeria last Wednesday slapped a two-year ban from international competition on the squad after the traditional African powerhouse finished bottom of their group in South Africa with just one point from three matches. Jonathan also ordered an audit into how the funds allocated for the team at the World Cup were used. But the move led to an angry reaction from FIFA, which takes a dim view of political interference in the sport. FIFA gave Nigeria until 1600 GMT on Monday to reverse the decision or face "the suspension of the Nigerian (football) federation." FIFA confirmed that it had been informed of Nigeria's change of heart.