Several developments led to FIFA imposing the suspension,
including court actions against elected members of the NFF executive committee,
the federation's general secretary stepping down on orders from the
government-run National Sports Commission, and the decision of the sports
minister to start the Nigerian football league without relegation from the
previous season.
FIFA rules prohibit government interference with national
football governing bodies.
Nigeria had been due to play in Guinea in its second
qualifier in Group B the African Cup on Sunday.
FIFA says the suspension will last until “the duly elected
NFF executive committee is able to work without any interference,” meaning none
of the country's teams are allowed to take part in any competition “regional,
continental or international.” Calls to NFF officials seeking comment were not
answered.
Nigeria's federation was threatened with a similar ban in
July when the country's president, Good luck Jonathan, said he would pull the
national team out of competition because of its poor showing at the World Cup
in South Africa.
Jonathan eventually backed down following an ultimatum from
FIFA.
However, FIFA said at the time it would continue monitoring
Nigerian football for possible interference from the government.
