Nigeria risks FIFA ban as court sacks NFF President, Pinnick

The Nigeria football community is on the verge of being excommunicated by the World football governing body, Fifa, following the sack of Amaju Pinnick as the President of the Nigerian Football Federation.

A Federal High Court in Jos, Plateau State, on Friday nullified the election that brought NFF President, Amaju Pinnick and his board into office.

Justice Musa Haruna Kurya delivered the ruling on Friday over the re-listed suit challenging the election process of September 30, 2014 in Warri.

Before the elections in Warri, Christopher Giwa, in controversial circumstance had been declared new President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) through another congress in Abuja.

In 2015, Justice Ambrose Allagoa, who presided over the hearing, had ruled that the election as well as the congress preceding it were against his orders and ordered the plaintiff Christopher Giwa to return to office.

But FIFA was watching and warned Nigeria will be banned if the court ruling stops the newly-elected executive committee of Amaju Pinnick from working.

Former President, Goodluck Jonathan, had called parties to a peace meeting where he pleaded for the crisis to end and prevent Nigeria from an imminent FIFA ban.

Christopher Giwa

When Plaintiff counsel, Habila Ardzard, was to withdraw the matter, he told the court then, “The number one citizen had demanded to intervene in the matter and that if parties are not satisfied, they can return to court.”

Christopher Giwa, however, praised the ruling of the court.

“This is victory for Nigeria football. The right ruling has been made and we are taking over immediately.”

Amaju Pinnick confirmed the ruling of the court, adding that it is a setback for Nigerian football.

“It is sad we are still taking football matters to court. The NFF will file for stay of execution and later appeal the case.”