Hussaini Umar

President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday rescinded an earlier decision withdrawing Nigeria from all international football competitions, apparently caving in to threats of sanctions from world football governing body FIFA.

The lift of the withdrawal, announced an hour before the FIFA deadline of 5pm yesterday was to elapse, was taken at a closed-door meeting between the president and the leadership of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) at the State House in Abuja.

In announcing the earlier ban on Wednesday, Jonathan said it was to enable the country reorganize its football administration and audit the finances of the World Cup project following the poor performance of the Super Eagles at the ongoing World Cup in South Africa.

FIFA, however, told Nigeria to reverse the decision or risk suspension from the football community, an action that would have led to withdrawal of financial help, suspension of Nigerian referees from officiating in international matches and other punitive measures.

A statement by presidential spokesman Ima Niboro yesterday said the government rescinded the withdrawal from international football based on assurances given by the NFF that it would evolve an enduring football development programme for the country.