• Maigari may be reinstated, impeachedAS today’s ultimatum given by world football governing body, FIFA for Nigeria to either resolve its crisis or face indefinite ban, the National Sports Commission (NSC) has continued its battles to resolve the crisis in the nation’s football.
However, there are indications that the plaintiff in the case that led to the suspension of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Ruth Baribote may withdraw her case today with the NSC allegedly agreeing to meet all her demands.
The Guardian gathered yesterday that the NSC officials had in a meeting with Baribote, who is the chairman of Nembe City FC asked for the reinstatement of her husband, Victor Rumson Baribote as the second vice chairman of the NFF as well as lifting the 15 years ban, which the NFF executive board has placed on him.
The NSC it was gathered has concluded all arrangements for her to travel to Jos to withdraw the case, which is a condition that was given by FIFA before the suspension on Nigeria would be lifted to allow it participate in international competitions.
A source close to the NSC confirmed yesterday that the nationwide strike embarked upon by judiciary workers has been the only issue that is hindering the resolution of the crisis, adding that the plaintiff has already agreed to discontinue the case.
The source further said that the sacked Aminu Maigari led NFF board would be reinstated as soon as the case is withdrawn, but will be immediately be asked to step aside or face impeachment by the board in line with FIFA and NFF statutes that would lead to the lifting of the FIFA ban.
“The crisis will soon be over. The minister is working very hard to resolve the crisis and return Nigeria to international football. The process has been so because the government has been very careful about it so as to avoid being accused of interfering in football administration. We must insist on the right thing to he done for the interest of Nigerian football,” the source assured.
Meanwhile, the suspension has already claimed it first casualty as FIFA referees advisor and consultant to the NFF on refereeing, Linus Mba was barred from serving as the match commissioner for the Sierra Leone and Seychelles African Cup of Nations qualifier in Freetown on Saturday. He has since been replaced.
On Monday, the retired FIFA referee and former member of the CAF Referees Committee got a letter from CAF regretting his replacement.
The fate of Mba drives home the powers of FIFA sanctions as adopted by Confederations and other Federations world wide.
The imbroglio, if not settled today, would also rob the Eaglets, the Falconets of their places in different competitions, while the Falcons might be expunged from the AWC draws in Windhoek, Namibia, this week end, if Nigeria fails normalises its relationship with FIFA.
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