5th October, 2010
FIFA/CAF Executive Member, Dr. Amos Adamu and ex-internationals have thrown their weight behind the indefinite suspension of Nigeria by the world football governing body.
Dr. Adamu, while speaking on Brila FM early today said FIFA had placed Nigeria under serious scrutiny long before it came out to suspend the country from all football activities in the world, adding that he saw the action of FIFA coming.
According to him, “the whole thing is affecting our football. We cannot continue this way. We know the rules and must follow them if we want to keep playing in international football. FIFA has over 208 members and the question to ask is why would Nigeria alone go against the rules?
“We must be ready to abide by FIFA statutes. The court of arbitration is there for whoever is aggrieved,” he added.
Ex-internationals Christian Chukwu and Uche Okafor also believe that it is high time that the stakeholders in Nigerian football do the right thing at the right time because failure to do that may attract stiffer penalties. According to Chukwu, former coach of the Super Eagles, “I’m sad that FIFA’s hammer has fallen on us even though we deserve it. It is sad but if it is what will bring progress and peace to our football, then we need it.”
There has been interference from government.â€
Chairman Brila Group and a member of Presidential Task Force, PTF, Larry Izamoje and former coach of the Super Eagles to the Korea/Japan 2002 World Cup, Adegboye Onigbinde said they saw the ban coming and advised administrators of the game go back to the drawing board to do the right to develop football in the country.
—Adebobola  Alawode
