HOME > NEWS > POLITICS OF NIGERIAS SELF ISOLATION

Politics of Nigeria's self isolation

Politics of Nigeria's self isolation

Posted: 2010-07-01 06:44

President Goodluck Jonathan's decision on Wednesday to withdraw Nigeria from international football for two years, and more or less dissolve the Nigeria Football Federation came straight from left field. 

Few, not even the most ardent of the NFF's critics, expected it. But make no mistake, this was less about Nigeria's poor performance at the World Cup, and more about the elections into the executive committee of the NFF.

This action would seem to be the final masterstroke of the Presidential Task Force, set up by the late Umaru Musa Yaradua to help mastermind Nigeria's qualification for the World Cup.

With the country's participation in South Africa on the verge of collapse, the late President put together a team headed by Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, and including the then Sports Minister Bawa KaOje as his deputy, to help the NFF ensure that the Super Eagles made it to the World Cup.

But the friction between both parties was evident from the get go. And the fact that at least two members of that body had designs on positions in the NFF already held by sit tight officials did little to ease the situation.

While the qualification campaign lasted, both parties fought a silent, but bruising battle to stay ahead in the build up to the elections. The little matter of actually participating at the event itself, was almost an afterthought.

NFF President Sani Lulu and his executive committee were wary of the political and financial might of the PTF, and moved not so silently, not only to strengthen their vice grip on power, but also to ensure that the August elections were in the bag before a single ballot had been cast.

The plan was simple. They tweaked the Statutes by extending the life of state FA chairman (who held the majority of the votes at the Elective Assembly), until after the NFF elections.

What this meant in effect was that those gentlemen would not have to worry about their positions until after they had voted the not so new board in. It also meant that the current executive knew exactly who to 'keep happy' in the run up to the elections.

And they did a good job of it.

First, the 'grants' due to the state FAs were paid for the first time in over four years.
Then 30 of 37 chairmen and secretaries were taken on an all expenses paid trip to the World Cup in South Africa. Harmless looking actions on the face of it, but one which effectively left the favoured beholden to the NFF.

The direct consequence was that even if the eligibilty criteria had not been so considerably skewed in favour of the incumbents, noone but those in the inner circle would have a chance of winning.

Led by the new Sports Minister Isa Bio, members of the PTF appealed to FIFA, accusing the NFF leadership of corruption and asking for the elections to be suspended.

They met a brick wall in President Sepp Blatter who informed the delegation that corruption issues should be tackled by the national agencies involved, and the elections could not be stopped as long as the Statutes were followed.

And so the PTF played their final card, a direct appeal to President Goodluck Jonathan, presenting a World cup report that detailed 'maladministration'. It is that appeal which has now led to the withdrawal of Nigeria from international competitions.

FIFA's initial official response was to reaffirm their position on government interference in football matters. However, it is understood that the world football governing body would not be unwilling to negotiate a resolution to the crisis, although that would be strictly off the record.

In the event, the Nigerian government's demands are clear; that FIFA must accept the removal of the current NFF leadership, with transparent elections to be held to bring in a new team.

FIFA, on the other hand, would want to see the Nigerian government reverse their decision. Hopefully, that will be in time for the country to take part in the 2012 African Nations Cup qualifier or risk a one tournament ban, in line with Art 51 of the CAF Regulations on the competition.

Four years ago, Lulu and co removed Ibrahim Galadima and his team, using government and FIFA might. That same sword appears to be what they will be impaled with.

Karma indeed, could hardly look more like a bitch.



  

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dacapo: 2010-07-01 06:57

Wow!!!! Karma could really look more like a *****

dacapo: 2010-07-01 07:00

Ohh just what I thought. So Colin udoh can curse and say the word ***** but forumites can say it right? A typical example of Nigerian leadership.

dacapo: 2010-07-01 07:06

If that's what is going to take to get those money hungry bigots who think of their fat bellys only out of that glass house then so be it. We just hope it's not the same cycle starting over again.

ajibola: 2010-07-01 07:10

Calling udoh u writing ******(Spelt it that wat cuz i know you will erase ours) is not proper journalism at all..............na wa oohhh

ajibola: 2010-07-01 07:10

biaaaaaatchhhhhh!!!!!!!!

Clovis: 2010-07-01 07:47

Thanks Mr. President. This is what we needed years ago. Please expose all the corrupt officials, governors, Senate, Assembly Members in the country as well.
Flight LT. Rawlings method in Ghana worked.

benson: 2010-07-01 09:01

the problem of nigeria football are the Nff.there is nothing this nff are doing in the football house other than to embezzle money.the reason nigeria football are in dire situation right now is because of the politics that are being mixed with football.the right thing to do is to disband the nff and elect the right people that will move nigeria forward.

ken gadaffi: 2010-07-01 09:03

I still dont see the logic here. What really is the correlation between banning the national team and helping to improve the structure of football in Nigeria. I guess someone has adviced the President the wrong way.
The problem of Nigeria football is surely NFF and the Governement has to fix that right and not banning the football team.

THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH

nelson: 2010-07-01 09:17

@ken gadaffi,nigeria football failure had always being put on head of coaches for years even some in this forum.i am asking myself a good question?why not stop disgracing ourselves in international scenes by restructing our football,take a look at asian teams performances and look at ours.



nelson4ever.

Chukwuemeka: 2010-07-01 09:22

This is a sad moment indeed for Nigeria. While I believe that a drastic action should be taken to save Nigerian football from the present morass, I also strongly advocate that caution should be the watchword lest the hammer of FIFA falls on the nation. It is a shame that the same Presidential Task Force which reportedly pressurized the NFF to sack Shuaibu Amodu a few months to the World Cup have now made a volte-face by advising that the national teams should be banned from competition for the next 2 years. Will this decision bear good fruits? The answer could be Yes and No, depending on how football is run within the period of competition suspension. Notwithstanding the so-called elections into NFF, most Nigerians know that virtually all the key members of the NFF are government nominees. In fact the head of the body, Sani Lulu, was a civil servant before he took over the position. Therefore, most of them see this as an avenue to enjoy their share of the ‘national cake’, to the detriment of the game. So if this trend continues, football will not grow in Nigeria, even if we ban the national teams from competitions for the next ten years. Most of us refer to the Westerhoff era and want the stakeholders to replicate the success achieved then, but it was a common knowledge that Clemens Westerhoff had a direct relationship with the powers that be in Dodan Barracks (then the seat of power) and was not actually under the control of the NFA now NFF. If it is possible for us to recreate that atmosphere without FIFA seeing the Nigerian Government as interfering with the running football that will be fine. Otherwise, with the present structure, any coach employed by the NFF will be at the mercy of his employers and it is widely suspected that most NFF members impose players on the coaches and later turn back to accuse the coaches of incompetence when they fail. God bless Nigeria.

Kerewa: 2010-07-01 09:45

Mr presido, u went too far, Dont ban the national teams. I guess u should have other subtle means of chasing those crazy bald heads out of the town. They lost $230,000 in that glass house and no one is talking. Other maladministrations are also very glaring for everyone to see. So use EFCC and ICPC on them and everything will be history. Before they will come out from the cell for their deeds, 2yrs will be over. Charge them for corruption. maybe like 50 count charges

I rest my case

sam: 2010-07-01 10:05

we are just jumpimg from frying pan to fire!! ban for national team will definately not stop the problem,what is happening is that the PTF and NFF are flexing muscles on who is stronger and see what the fight as led them to?? there are members of PTF who feel they should be running the nff and since the nff refuse to be runned by PTF members the best thing is to scatter the house...now who is suffering,its still the fans and the players!

TAIWO: 2010-07-01 10:08

Hehe hehe HeHe. Nice decision!!! My dear Brothers, the corruption have to dissolve.I'm fed up to see NFF members!!!I'm fed up to see our football to regress!!!!I'm fed up to see the bad organisation in Naija football!!! Now, it's THE WAY FOWARD!!!!Agree or not,it's like that.Full stop!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TAIWO: 2010-07-01 10:10

Hehe hehe HeHe. Nice decision!!! My dear Brothers, the corruption have to be dissolve.I'm fed up to see NFF members!!!I'm fed up to see our football in regression!!!!I'm fed up to see the bad organisation in Naija football!!! Now, it's THE NEW WAY FOWARD!!!!Agree or not,it's like that.Full stop!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Babatunde: 2010-07-01 10:36

Finally "a messiah has come to pass"

Just a few days ago, I was thinking about the problems of Nigeria and how I would have dealt with it if I was the president. I came to the the conclusion that the only way out were drastic measures which damned consequences. I thought about football (I had actually stopped posting comments here)and thought the only solution to getting out of the rot is to totally overhaul the NFF and damn the consequences of the FIFA.

Yes!! risk the ban that would be imposed on us and present us with time to really fix our backyard. If FIFA should see reason with us on the long run, then our penalty would be mitigated or totally ignored. The presidency must intervene and the likes of Ogunjobi and his stalwarts should be run out of the federation and forever stay banished.

What we need in the NFA are men with experience and exposure. We should start building with people like Segun Odegbami, Adokie Amiesiamaka and Clemence Westerhoff at the top of things and gradually get other qualified persons like Sunday Oliseh to come back home and contibute to the building of a structured football association which would become a legacy. Tried and tested coaches should be given their chances; coaches like Obuh and Siasia who have proved and proving themselves, and who would bring continuity to the system. I think Siasia has done enough to justify his absorption to the national team. Amokachi should be retained and given his chance. Eguavoen should also play his part. Dont forget they should all be sent on refresher courses. Our football league need to be restructed too and local competetions which exposed talents like the one-time principal cups of the old times should again be introduced again.

All these thoughts were in my head until yesterday when the news came through that the presidency had withdrawn the national team. Exactly my bluff.

Yes!! " a messiah has to pass". Mr President please don't forget, this is just the beginning. There are still many establishments to turn to in Nigeria. You are assured of my vote in the next coming elections and support. Please keep up the discipline.

Swona (Treble): 2010-07-01 10:39

but what's with the hat? Is it fashion?

TAIWO: 2010-07-01 10:54

@Babatunde,i really appreciate your commentary,"EJE KA TUN SE" That is my yoruba title for the reconstruction. It is mean in english, "LET US REBUILT OUR FOOTBALL" VIVA NIGERIA!!!!

Matlock: 2010-07-01 11:09

After the meeting between President Jonathan and members of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on the 2010 World Cup, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ima Niboro, said Jonathan also approved the auditing of all the money spent during the ongoing World Cup. “President Goodluck Jonathan has directed that Nigeria withdraws from international competition for two years to enable the country put its house in order.”
Niboro stated that the President also approved that an audit of the World Cup finances be looked into and bring whoever was culpable to book.

BUNCH OF THIEVES....

Austin: 2010-07-01 11:12

While I support the restructuring of the Glass House, I think Mr. President has taken a very bold, though not-well-thought-out, decision. Unless there are a trump card he has up his sleeves, the move will rather retard the national team development at all levels for the following reasons:
1. FIFA will ban Nigeria from all FIFA-organized tournaments for another 2-4 years. That means that even the u-17, u-21 and u-23 teams will be affected. That also means we will not have young players coming through
2. CAF as a FIFA affiliate will also keep us out of its organized tournaments. That means that our club will be affected even at the continental level. That also means that our young players at the club level will not develop
3. If our players are not coming through, then no foreign club will be interested in them. This also translates to strangulated development
4. As a way to further their careers, most of our foreign-based young players will pledge their committments to their host countries and will not be available to Nigeria by the time we are readmitted into the committy of soccer-playing nations
5. There will be a lot of bickering at home, as the current oficials will fight back and will insist, with the help of FIFA, that they be reinstated to continue before Nigeria be readmitted. We will then be back to square one.

The solution the PTF should have advised Mr. President on is this:
1. The hands of NFF and maybe even the PTF are soiled from the monies released to them for various competitions,from the u-17 tournament to the current WC. Let the govt. deploy EFCC and ICPC to probe their accounts and definitely some criminal discoveries will be made. I am certain that FIFA will be handicapped to defend malfeasance
2. Mr. Ogujobi has been purpotedly committing a crime by fraudulently seeking employment in public service when he was dismissed and barred from such by a competent authority. That is enough grounds to send the ICPC after him. He will have no option but to resign.
3. Mr. Lulu is a civil servant: how clean are his records. Again, the ICPC angle.

Question: Why is Ghana making progress? Is it because they shut down their team from international competitions only? No, they are serious about tackling corruption. A Ghanaian sports figure was jailed for about 2 years if I can remember, for losing some "chicken change" meant for the team. And they also have stability in their coaching and youths program. Since we have lost our birthright as "Giants of Africa" let us humble ourselves and learn from Ghana and Egypt.

Finally Mr. President, you have made a wrong call based on the wrong advice. It's not too late to think again.

Matlock: 2010-07-01 11:15

Rotimi Amaechi, who is the chairman of the Presidential Task Force (PTF), said: “Our recommendation is based on what is on the ground. We went to the World Cup and found all sorts of problems and we felt we should sit back and look inward.” The governor who was joined by other members of the PTF, said: “We will formally write FIFA to say that Nigeria won’t engage in international football competitions.”
Amaechi explained that the government’s decision had nothing to do with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
He, however, lamented that Nigeria had not done well in continental and intercontinental football competitions, stressing that “you cannot have tumour and continue to massage it with all the blood.”

CABAL OF THE NFF THAT THOUGHT THEY WERE UNTOUCHABLE.... ARMED ROBBERS WITHOUT GUNS...

Austin: 2010-07-01 11:16

@Swona, the hat is traditinoally worn by the part of Nigeria that the President comes from, the South South Region of Nigeria. For now, it has become fashionable and is generally referred to as Resource Control, after the principled agitatio of the people of that region to control the gas and oil resources that are abundantly found there. So, there, go and buy yourself Resource Control from a Nigeria trader close in your neighborhood.

Austin: 2010-07-01 11:21

@Colin Udo, in your last line were you refering to the human kind or the canine family? Et tu Colin?

Austin: 2010-07-01 11:23

@Soegs, Tell you people to return the FIFA WC trophy replica they stole from the temporary FIFA HQ before you show your face here. We are talking important matters here and it's no concern of yours or your uncle's. Ndisime mkpo!

Katsina: 2010-07-01 11:41

i remember it was the late president mr. yaradua (r.i.p) that set up the ptf to help the eagles qualify for the world cup and indeed we qualify,but now the team is disband,yeah i agree with mr. jonathan let 9ja stay away from international football for 2 years and after 2012 we can have a new young looking team

Garvey: 2010-07-01 11:45

@Soegs - Na u sabi

gabs: 2010-07-01 11:55

This ia an absolute disgrace and i am gutted being a Nigerian, I have long been saying these old men needed be taken care of. It is now clear we are a failed state, betrayed by our old.

Gosh aint they ashamed of theirselves? We are exposed to the world because of corruption, I dont see any logic behind the ban as we all know where the problem lies. So why dont we just fix it rather than all this loud noise from an empty barrel.

Even after the two year we might still go back to sqaure zero, all we need is a change of mentality and be patrotic. The only solution long overdue is a REVOLUTION like Rawlings did in Ghana(The giant of Africa) and we ll be fine.

Bring the MILITARY on and let us get it over with (KILL THEM ALL) so we can move forward and our generation and future ones can live a normal and happy life saying thanks to us rather than escaping our country to be slaves and husslers abroad for goodness sake.

AM JUST ****ING FEED UP.

Remy Martins : 2010-07-01 12:05

Ken Ghadafi,my view is as good as urs.Mr President was advised wrongly to banning the Super Eagles from international competitions 4 2yrs.The players are not the problem,but the structure(NFF).Mr President should lift his ban,sack the present NFF.Let our Ex Footballers take mantle of leadership in running our football and not carrier civil servants like Taiwo Ogujobi,Lulu & co.EFCC should investigate them also.Even if they are banned 10yrs,Without good structure the team will be even worser than one meets then 10yrs ago.Lift the ban Mr President,get rid of the present NFF,and Nigeria's Football glory will return again.

john: 2010-07-01 12:34

Dozie, you said it all. Thats how those criminals suppose to be treated.IS ENOUGH FOR THIS RUBBISH. Mr. President charge these people with EFCC becuase they have messed up enough. Please help us treat their **** up. We need new football administrator entirely. I hope that is the way to get back our Football glory.

Mr. Chinedu John

gerry: 2010-07-01 12:38

firstly, banning super eagles for two years is not the solution to our problem. we have good enough young footballers, if called upon,can represnet Nigeria and give good account of themselves.

Secondly, cleaning up our football should actually start we the u17's. until we start telling ourselves the truth. the truth being that we do not have to win U17's by all cost.

The U17's should serve as a discovery of potential for the super eagles.

A good Organised inter-states u14's should help us with producing players that would represent Nigeria for the U17's level. this would help coaches to spot talents. and this would also gaurantee that we have players atleast closer to 17yrs reprensent us rather than further away from 17yrs. Knowing Nigeria, it would not work.

Fielding 25yrs and above men for the U17's would end up producing 2010 world cup outing.

Thirdly, our players physical condition is always poor. The homebase players do not develop well, always look under fed, while the overseas counterparts always look like they have been abusing food. they eat like there is no tomorrow. they don't look light on the feet, always on the hevy side.

Fourthly, What Mr. president should do, apart from suspending the eagles, is to freeze the NNF bank account. These thevies would always want to be one step ahead.

With them knowing that the rope is slowly tighening around their necks, these thevies are good to clear out the NNF account if it remains unfrozen.

it is a shame that our football has gone backwards. it is like in the dark ages. one step forward and three steps backward.

these are just my views on things please share yours. no abuse please.

gerry: 2010-07-01 12:40

firstly, banning super eagles for two years is not the solution to our problem. we have good enough young footballers, if called upon,can represent Nigeria and give good account of themselves.

Secondly, cleaning up our football should actually start with the u17's. until we start telling ourselves the truth. the truth being that we do not have to win U17's by all cost.

The U17's should serve as a discovery of potential for the super eagles.

A good Organised inter-states u14's should help us with producing players that would represent Nigeria for the U17's level. this would help coaches to spot talents. and this would also gaurantee that we have players atleast closer to 17yrs reprensent us rather than further away from 17yrs. Knowing Nigeria, it would not work.

Fielding 25yrs and above men for the U17's would end up producing 2010 world cup outing.

Thirdly, our players physical condition is always poor. The homebase players do not develop well, always look under fed, while the overseas counterparts always look like they have been abusing food. they eat like there is no tomorrow. they don't look light on the feet, always on the hevy side.

Fourthly, What Mr. president should do, apart from suspending the eagles, is to freeze the NNF bank account. These thevies would always want to be one step ahead.

With them knowing that the rope is slowly tighening around their necks, these thevies are good to clear out the NNF account if it remains unfrozen.

it is a shame that our football has gone backwards. it is like in the dark ages. one step forward and three steps backward.

these are just my views on things please share yours. no abuse please.

Freeman: 2010-07-01 13:01

Now thats what I call "Investigative Journalism"!
Colin Udo, U re the bomb and I have been following your articles closely keep it up!

And oh, Indeed Karma is a B.I.T.C.H!
You only have to look at France outcome!
I believe the Government will retract their decision after disbanding both the Administrators and the Team!

For the love of the game!

Chukwuemeka82: 2010-07-01 13:29

@Ken Gadaffi and co, I respect your opinions and ideas and I must agree that there is a chance that this decision by the President may end up being retrogressive. However, that is if the decision is not well managed and followed up.

I think Mr President was pushed to the wall and had to make this tough decision. He has my support. Please could you tell us how else he could fix football (and sports in general) when we all know that NFF's criminals have the protection of FIFA? NFF can easily tweak FIFA rules to protect themselves in the same way they tweaked the rules to ensure that all incumbents would be getting re-elected.
NFF under Sani Lulu will make it very difficult for any reasonable probe to take place. Infact they will invoke the FIFA non-interference rule to scuttle any probe. Even if the probe takes place with the incumbents in office, the government can do absolutely nothing to enforce punitive measures on the guilty officials until their tenure runs out after four years (in a world cup year, 2014).
The presidency had directed NFF board members to resign honourably and they refused. The only thing left was for the presidency to do this. Bear it in mind that whatever the government would have done to check these thieving officials would be drummed up by them as government interference.
The extent of the corruption at NFF is mind boggling. Do you all know that the NFF actually arranged to pay the coach $1million but said that it will only be if the coach would allow that the announced and signed salary package would be $1.5million. That means the coach will sign for $1.5 million and take $1 million and give back $500,000 to NFF to share. This is why more respectable coaches did not take the job. Lagerback should also be investigated for corruption. Please read up this link as proof - http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/piersedwards/2010/06/nigeria_denied_window_to_the_w.html

The truth is that the only feasible way to clen up the mess is to remove the protection these criminals have and then deal with them. Afterall, he that pays the piper dictates the tune. Again, no nation in the world (democratic or not) has achieved a radical change in its economy or polity or society without some level of dictatorship. Think about Ghana, UK (under Margaret Thatcher), Argentina, China, Japan, etc. Goodluck has to be ready to make the hard decisions without looking to please everyone.
One final thought - The SE at this time are definitely on their way to disgrace Nigeria in 2012 because there is honestly no team. The W/cup fellows are old and tired and it takes at least 3 to 4 years to develop a solid team (ask Westerhof). Goodluck may have just saved us from phenomenal embarrassment in 2012. Let us see how this plays out.

Chukwuemeka82: 2010-07-01 13:29

@Ken Gadaffi and co, I respect your opinions and ideas and I must agree that there is a chance that this decision by the President may end up being retrogressive. However, that is if the decision is not well managed and followed up.

I think Mr President was pushed to the wall and had to make this tough decision. He has my support. Please could you tell us how else he could fix football (and sports in general) when we all know that NFF's criminals have the protection of FIFA? NFF can easily tweak FIFA rules to protect themselves in the same way they tweaked the rules to ensure that all incumbents would be getting re-elected.
NFF under Sani Lulu will make it very difficult for any reasonable probe to take place. Infact they will invoke the FIFA non-interference rule to scuttle any probe. Even if the probe takes place with the incumbents in office, the government can do absolutely nothing to enforce punitive measures on the guilty officials until their tenure runs out after four years (in a world cup year, 2014).
The presidency had directed NFF board members to resign honourably and they refused. The only thing left was for the presidency to do this. Bear it in mind that whatever the government would have done to check these thieving officials would be drummed up by them as government interference.
The extent of the corruption at NFF is mind boggling. Do you all know that the NFF actually arranged to pay the coach $1million but said that it will only be if the coach would allow that the announced and signed salary package would be $1.5million. That means the coach will sign for $1.5 million and take $1 million and give back $500,000 to NFF to share. This is why more respectable coaches did not take the job. Lagerback should also be investigated for corruption. Please read up this link as proof - http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/piersedwards/2010/06/nigeria_denied_window_to_the_w.html

The truth is that the only feasible way to clen up the mess is to remove the protection these criminals have and then deal with them. Afterall, he that pays the piper dictates the tune. Again, no nation in the world (democratic or not) has achieved a radical change in its economy or polity or society without some level of dictatorship. Think about Ghana, UK (under Margaret Thatcher), Argentina, China, Japan, etc. Goodluck has to be ready to make the hard decisions without looking to please everyone.
One final thought - The SE at this time are definitely on their way to disgrace Nigeria in 2012 because there is honestly no team. The W/cup fellows are old and tired and it takes at least 3 to 4 years to develop a solid team (ask Westerhof). Goodluck may have just saved us from phenomenal embarrassment in 2012. Let us see how this plays out.

ucche: 2010-07-01 13:32

DEAR FORUMITES, THESE PPL ARE NOW LISTENING TO US OOOOOO , AFTER OVER TWO YRS WE HAVE BEEN ASKING THESE IDIOTS TO RESIGN OR GET FIRED!!!!!!

WE NEED A COMLETE OVERHAUL... SACK THEM ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BRING IN OKOCHA,AND OLISEH , MAKE SIASIA THE HEAD COACH, OBASI SHD BE NEW CAPTAIN,,,BENCH YAKUBU AND MAKE ENERAMO SHOW HIM HOW TO SCORE!!!!!!!!

TWO YR SUSPENSION , WILL LEAD TO FIFA SUSPENSION SO ITS NOT A GOOD IDEA AT ALL!!!!!!

Chukwuemeka82: 2010-07-01 13:33

@Ken Gadaffi and co, I respect your opinions and ideas and I must agree that there is a chance that this decision by the President may end up being retrogressive. However, that is if the decision is not well managed and followed up.

I think Mr President was pushed to the wall and had to make this tough decision. He has my support. Please could you tell us how else he could fix football (and sports in general) when we all know that NFF's criminals have the protection of FIFA? NFF can easily tweak FIFA rules to protect themselves in the same way they tweaked the rules to ensure that all incumbents would be getting re-elected.
NFF under Sani Lulu will make it very difficult for any reasonable probe to take place. Infact they will invoke the FIFA non-interference rule to scuttle any probe. Even if the probe takes place with the incumbents in office, the government can do absolutely nothing to enforce punitive measures on the guilty officials until their tenure runs out after four years (in a world cup year, 2014).
The presidency had directed NFF board members to resign honourably and they refused. The only thing left was for the presidency to do this. Bear it in mind that whatever the government would have done to check these thieving officials would be drummed up by them as government interference.
The extent of the corruption at NFF is mind boggling. Do you all know that the NFF actually arranged to pay the coach $1million but said that it will only be if the coach would allow that the announced and signed salary package would be $1.5million. That means the coach will sign for $1.5 million and take $1 million and give back $500,000 to NFF to share. This is why more respectable coaches did not take the job. Lagerback should also be investigated for corruption. Please read up this link as proof - http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/piersedwards/2010/06/nigeria_denied_window_to_the_w.html

The truth is that the only feasible way to clen up the mess is to remove the protection these criminals have and then deal with them. Afterall, he that pays the piper dictates the tune. Again, no nation in the world (democratic or not) has achieved a radical change in its economy or polity or society without some level of dictatorship. Think about Ghana, UK (under Margaret Thatcher), Argentina, China, Japan, etc. Goodluck has to be ready to make the hard decisions without looking to please everyone.
One final thought - The SE at this time are definitely on their way to disgrace Nigeria in 2012 because there is honestly no team. The W/cup fellows are old and tired and it takes at least 3 to 4 years to develop a solid team (ask Westerhof). Goodluck may have just saved us from phenomenal embarrassment in 2012. Let us see how this plays out.

Chukwuemeka82: 2010-07-01 13:35

I am sorry for the triple repetition of my comment. I erroneously clicked the submit button more than one.

monday: 2010-07-01 14:02

My brother ken gadaffi, may God bless, am very happy always reading your messege, immediately i hear the news from BBC, i was more than mad, and i ask my self what is really going on for God's seek,what did the government got to do with football,disolving or withdrawal from intenational game, is that our problem,i guite agree with gadaffi that someone has adviced our president in a wrong way, are they not aware that government should not interfer with the game of football for what so ever, if that is so French president could have killed all his prayers for the mess they do in south Africa, but FiFA president has already warned him not to interter,are we thinking of the consequences, i have just rush to internet to join my friends in this kickoff to kick against this move by the president, but am surprised everybody is claping hands and singing praises to him, it is a pity.
First of all we all know the problem,all of us here joins hands together to call for foriegn coach, in which we succided,with the hope that when he comes, many of our players will be droped and pick the young ones, if somebody tells me that Yakubu and yobo will make it to the world cup, i will not agree with the person, but it happen, that is where i lost my confidence, and all these things was caused by those idiots at the top, NFF. I want to ask a gustion, where is our president when they select Yakubu/yobo and others and drop Ikechukwu Uche, Anichebe and others, what did he expect to see in the world cup, Ooooo my God we are punch of Jokers, without planning for anything and always expecting miracle to happen, miracle does not happen always, it is now that our president see what is happening, i always support him in his administration, but not for this one, how can we stay like this for next two years, God forbid, where we have talented players in every part of the world, players who can deliver any time any day.The solution is very simply, Election is coming on August, let the president help to see that credible people who knows the game of football will be elected, and after the election those people will seat down and select the best coach and it's crew, and hand them over the job, and everyone will see what will happen, I rest my case as of now.thanks
Egbogu.

Adams: 2010-07-01 14:09

The Nigerian government needs to be disbanded not only the supper eagles. Sani Abacha's regime put the right people in right positions that was why we got all the results then. now can anyone imagine the kind of people that is running our football?

ken gadaffi: 2010-07-01 14:42

Much as i agree to the disbanding of the NFF no matter the consequences from FIFA, I still think the President got it wrong disbanding the national team and suspending them for two year. I cant really see the logic here and all those in support are yet to convince me that its the right decision.

Or how can you tell your kids to stay at home for two years because of her/his poor performance in school?


THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH

Wole: 2010-07-01 14:59

@Monday: You don't get it at all.... How do you expect the president to, quoting from you 'help to see that credible people who knows the game of football will be elected' when the present NFF has already won the election without any vote. Remember they have twicked and tampered with the election statutes with the backing of FIFA. whatever action the government takes, right or wrong will still be construed to be interference. The fools at the NFF are not more than 30 people. Are they smarter than 150 million people? For how long are they going to hold us hostage because of the fear of FIFA ban? For the past 4 years, there has not been any improvement in our football. Instead, our football went down. It's jumping from one crisis to another and this people thrive in this crisis, that's when they make thier money. If the President must be civil in his action, Ogunjobi, Lulu and their cohorts will be ruling our football for the next 4 years and I wonder what will remain of our football after 4 years if drastic action like this is not taken. The only language NFF and FIFA understand is the Jankara type of action displayed and I believe it's a well thought of plan to beat NFF and FiFA in their game. If that's the only way we can break away and free ourselves from the shackles of NFF and FIFA, so be it. Fifa knows NFF is corrupt. FIFA too is corrupt so nothing good will nevercome from FIFA.

ken gadaffi: 2010-07-01 15:01

I had the news on my flight from Manila to my base and as soon as i arrived, i got series of calls from my colleagues and friends who are obviously not Nigerians. All wanted to know why such a rash decision by the president. Lets call a spade a spade, if the President wanted to do away with the NFF as some people have made it look now, I do think there are many ways to do that without neccesarily disbanding the team. I got reports that the house deliberated on this issue for hours today. The fact remains that the decision to suspend the team was illadviced.
Lulu and his cohorts cannot be a tingod that the presidency couldnt have ordered their sack. If the only way to sack Lulu is to disband the football in Nigeria, then that is a big ridicule. God save Nigeria.


THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH

Bibby: 2010-07-01 15:12

@ Ken gaddafi,
i doubt if there is any other way to get rid of the rots in NFF without FIFA's anger. If information from from credible sources & ****ysts is anything to go by, hopefully,a compromise will be reached between Nig & FIFA to resolve amicably.

Wole: 2010-07-01 15:16

@KEN GADAFFI: Disbanding and suspending the Super Eagles for 2 years is just playing smart to pre-empt FIFA ban. He knows he can not disband NFF without FIFA threatening to ban Nigeria for 2 years. He did that to make nonsense of expected FIFA 2 year ban. I'm in total support of Mr. President in his efforts to clean up the house of corruption in NFF. My only fear is that will the Government be able to follow thru and finish what they have started without bulking up in the face of threats from FIFA? I believe FIFA needs someone to call their bluff because FIFA too is corrupt.

Wole: 2010-07-01 15:22

@ken gadaffi: Remember the government did every thing tomake LULU and his tea to resign,but they refused. How else can you get ridof the shameless foolsin NFF? Pls tell me o!

mike: 2010-07-01 15:25

NFF members are Nigerians, they were not sent by fifa to Nigeria from the moon, they were born and nurtured by the Nigerian corrupt system, so what do we expect?. They say Garbage in Garbage out. Maybe be we should hire foreign oyibo people to run our NFF for us too. Yes, what is good for the goose should also be good for the Gander. Is Ameachi and his PTF members clean? Let them publish their own books , so we can see how they spent all the money they raised in the name of SA 2010 qualification. Kettle calling the Pot black. Jonathan please face your important job jare, you only have one year left. Give us light/power, water and good roads and forget about also trying to run football.
Akpobome

Wole: 2010-07-01 15:27

@ken gadaffi: Remember the government did every thing tomake LULU and his tea to resign,but they refused. How else can you get rid of the shameless fools in NFF without FIFA calling inteference on the part of government? Pls tell me o! Whatever action taken by the government, it is what it is, interference, and a responsible government has to do something to get rid of the retrogrssive in NFF.

Wole: 2010-07-01 15:31

@ken gadaffi: Remember the government did every thing tomake LULU and his tea to resign,but they refused. How else can you get rid of the shameless fools in NFF without FIFA calling inteference on the part of government? Pls tell me o! Whatever action taken by the government, it is what it is, interference, and a responsible government has to do something to get rid of the retrogrssive in NFF.

ken gadaffi: 2010-07-01 15:50

@wole, oun ti o da oda. Two wrongs can never make a right. For the President to target the national team just in a bid to get rid of the NFF is really appaliing. How does NFF get their funds? Without Goverment funding, do you think NFF could survive? I still believe that if the Governement really wanted to do away with the NFF, there are ways to do that than ridiculing the whole country as a whole with this blanket ban on the national team and i wouldnt be surprised if the government retract their step. Remember Yar adua once threatened not to host the U-17 world cup because the budget was inflated then.

I am waiting to see how this drama will unfold.

THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH

P.D.P na Wayo: 2010-07-01 17:57

I knew SA world cup will not be successful with Kanu on the team.

Moreover, Mr. President's decision is too harsh for naija soccer fans.
Any how, it would have been better to decree the use of HOME-BASE PLAYERS ONLY for the next 2 years in order save money and stop expecting miracle without merit.

Im sure 85% of Enyimba, Hartland are NIGERIAN citizens. This guys can win S.Korea any day-anytime.

P.D.P na Wayo: 2010-07-01 18:05

@ken gadaffi: there is no way the govt can fix the problem in NFF without daring the wrath of FIFA.

I think the govt should have ordered the use of HOME-BASED players or give automatic promotion to under21 or under23.
Then the govt will spend less and we soccer fans will not be expecting too much.

Obi: 2010-07-01 18:45

Let me just say that I do not believe that Mr. President actually wants to withdraw Nigeria from senior football competitions for two years. I believe that what he has done is to draw a line in the sand for the incubent paracites at the Glass House. If the corrupt bunch persist on their path to a fraudulent second term, then Mr. President wants to let them know that withdrawing Nigeria from all senior competitions (and even a FIFA ban) is an option that he is willing to take up! For the sake of the Eagles and our young players aspiring to play for the team, I hope Lulu et al do the honourable thing and resign from the NFF so that we can have a breath of fresh air in the football system. Rather than pressurizing the President to change his mind, I think we should prevail on the NFF, through whatever offices at our disposal, to resign en masse as civilized people do elsewhere!

Going forward however, I'm wondering if holding NFF elections will not always have a divisive effect on our World Cup Campaigns, seeing that it takes place every World Cup year! I would really love the statutes to be modified in order to permit elections one or two years after the World Cup year, so that the seating NFF can concentrate on football matters at the World Cup. Four years ago, exactly the same thing happened with the Galadima bunch, now this. It looks to me as if we are going in 4-year cycles of acrimony at the Glass House, with Nigerian football the worse for it.

In the final ****ysis, until we have people with a true passion for improving the game locally in the majority on the NFF Board, our football is going nowhere! Presently, I believe the best people for such an assignment are recent former players of the Eagles......people like Jay Jay, Oliseh, Mutiu (who's already started football administration at 3SC), etc...... I hope that when the dust clears, it will be faces such as the ones I mentioned above that we will see at the Glass House!

ken gadaffi: 2010-07-01 18:51

@9ja, which one u dey self? I cannot fathom your stand on this issue. Are you for or against this decision of the President?

THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH

ken gadaffi: 2010-07-01 19:15

@austin, thanks for that piece, I hope those who read it will understand now why i said the president was ill advised. @austin has said it all the implication of this action of the President will be worse than most people had expected. I think its really not too late to retract it.

THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH

adebola: 2010-07-01 19:28

Until we learn to do things properly we will never get it right. FIFA has no rule that gives immunity to NFF officials from the law of the land. All that is needed is to prove a case of corruption against this guys, prosecute and jail them. once that is done they are no longer valid for office and there is nothing FIFA can do about that because the Govt has not interfered with football. Going about it this way is not only crude but a disgrace to our nation in the eyes of the world. Everyone is looking at us as backward. a nation where there is no electricity, where the people are hungry and frustrated and their leader comes out blowing hot about soccer. it shows us as a people with misplaced priorities and it is rather sad. This same mad rush to fix things without thinking led us to paying $1.5m to Lars for 1pt in the world cup. We need real solutions please.

Garvey: 2010-07-01 21:03

@Tefil - Mr. president is definately not mad. I still believe the decision taken by the Government is just to force FIFA to the negotiating table. Believe me FIFA will negotiate. They will come out to threaten Nigeria but they will negotiate. Let's wait and see.

mayor: 2010-07-01 22:03

@Ken Gadaffi, sometimes I ask myself what this guy is actually trying to achieve whenever an issue comes up on NFF, Lulu, Amodu, Lagerback,super eagles e.t.c.
You said, MR president went too far? You must be kidding? If Fifa bans Nigeria for 4yrs, I said so be it. as long as this step will stop the forthcoming election and will not enable Lulu &co to return to glass house. Also this will enable EFFC to grabvthose thiefs and prosecute them. Also, The super eagles would have invariably disbanded and the likes of KANU, YAKUBU, YOBO, AFOLABI E.T.C will know that they have been bidding farewell to the national set up. So Ken Gaddaffi, wake up and stop dreaming about AMODU'S RETURNING TO BE EAGLES COACH! Stop this your "I WON'T EAT AND WILL NOT LET OTHERS EAT " opinion of yours because, whenever I read your comments, that is what I deduce.

ken gadaffi: 2010-07-02 06:22

@mayor, it appears something must be wrong with you. Better go for a check up.
Why dont you make your own opinion rather than always trying to insinuate what others ( particularly myself has said) @okey has tried and dissappeared and now you Mayor want to take over abi?

@garvey, The president certainly goofed in this case and we have to admit that. Little wonder the house of rep have called for him to rescind the decision. He doesnt have to go to that extend to make FIFA negotiate. I personally dont see any sense in that strategy.

THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH

ken gadaffi: 2010-07-02 07:36

@mayor, it appears something must be wrong with you. Better go for a check up.
Why dont you make your own opinion rather than always trying to insinuate what others ( particularly myself has said) @okey has tried and dissappeared and now you Mayor want to take over abi?

@garvey, The president certainly goofed in this case and we have to admit that. Little wonder the house of rep have called for him to rescind the decision. He doesnt have to go to that extend to make FIFA negotiate. I personally dont see any sense in that strategy.

THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH

Garvey: 2010-07-02 08:18

@Ken - What do you expect the Government to do in this case. They sent a delegation to FIFA to intimate them with the problem of Nigerian football and all FIFA could tell them is that it is not duty to fight corruption in Nigerian football. The fact is that they are corrupt themselves and they suck big time. FIFA will not ban Nigeria. They knew quite well what is going on in Nigerian football. They are actually part of the problem we have in Nigerian football. The present board of the NFF with the help of FIFA manipulated the statutes to suit their plan of winning the election in August without opposition. They went on to postpone the election into board of the state football association which was supposed to take place before the NFF election and took the chairmen and secretaries of all state FA's to SA on a jamboree and secured their votes for the election in August. The NFF disenfranchised some stakeholders who are eligible to vote during the election in August. Lulu appointed his personal lawyer as the chairman of the electoral committee. All these illegalities were commited and FIFA did not see anything wrong about it and now they are talking of Government interferance in the affairs of the NFF. They should just keep quiet and let Nigeria solve their problem alone if they can not tell Lulu to be fair and conduct a free and fair election.

mayor: 2010-07-02 16:47

@Ken Gaddaffi, I think you must be out of your mind. Firstly, I have never attacked you or your comment before, but I do read your comment and others on this website. And for you to have said that I always attack your opinion like some of the forumites whom you always trade words with makes me to conclude that you are totally out of your mind.

Secondly,you are one of the forumites that I respect and appreciate his comment on this websites but immidiately Amodu was relieved of his duty, all I can deduce from your opinion and comment is what I have just said.

Even If I may ask you question,
(1) Do you think this NFF can be stopped from continuing the ONE RACE election(selection)and be brought to book without taking that step?
(2) what has been our achievement from the super eagle after atlanta'96 and France'98
(3) Do you really know what NIgeria football will be in the next few years if acttion is not taking now?
(4)Who are you to condemn the opinion of the masses?
(5) who are you or the FIFA to condemn the action of the PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER IN CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCED of an independent country.

Finally, I will say it again, if banning us for ten years from International football is what will be needed for us to get back to our glory days of football, then so be it.

I don't know where you live but all I know is that Nigeria has got NO REPUTATION in the international stage. Even where I leave in England, my british friend, spanish, swedish friends always say it to my face that football is the only thing that Nigeria has repution for. And now that corruption has crept into the only reputation we have left, then,everything should be done to safeguard our image on the sport. Even our African brothers: SouthAfricans, Ghanians, Camerounians, Ivorians e.t.c see us as a "JOKE" simply because of maladministration and corruption in our football.

So, Mr. Ken gadaffi, get this into you skull, I don't have anything against you but don't think you are the most wise, fluent and patriotic fans of the super eagles! And you don't expect everybody to be in support of your opinion as we all hold different view to different issue.

Stop mourning Amodu shuaibu and forge ahead. even if he has qualified us for 4worldcups. People like Awolowo, Azikwe,Sardauna,Tafawa Balewa, Anthony Enahoro all fought for this country to gain independence, people alleged to be corrupt and some were killed while others were imprisoned by the military and they never insisted that they were the one that fought for independence and therefore should be there till eternity.

All am saying is that forget about Amodu, and carry on with life because I have read so many comment on this website alleging you for that and what I personally can deduce from you comments since then is as if there is no and there will be no way forward unless Amodu is reinstated as eagles boss.