Nigeria: President Jonathan wades into NFF crisis, orders coach Keshi's reinstatement

Abuja, Nigeria (PANA) - Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan, has waded into the leadership crisis rocking the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), ordering litigants to withdraw their suits from court and asking the NFF President, Amaju Pinni/ck, to recall sacked Super Eagles Head Coach, Stephen Keshi.

According to local media reports, These were some of the decisions taken by Mr. President at a meeting in which the Vice President, Namadi Sambo, was present.

Also at the meeting were the Secretary to Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim, Minster and Chairman National Sports Commission, Tammy Danagogo, NFF factional leaders, Amaju Pinnick and Chris Giwa.

The meeting was to forestall a possible FIFA ban from all football-related activities.

FIFA had given Nigeria a 31 October, 2014, deadline to allow the Pinnick-led board to function or face suspension, specifically demanding that all court cases be vacated before Friday (31Oct.) or the country would be suspended forthwith.

To avoid FIFA suspension, Mr. President ordered all litigants in the Jos High Court to withdraw their case and this was done on Thursday as the case was struck out.

On Keshi, who met with the Sports Minister, Tammy Danagogo, on Thursday, the papers quoted him Keshi as expressing appreciation to Mr. President for believing in him. He said, however, that he was yet to make up his mind whether or not to accept the job.
-0- PANA VAO 31Oct2014