Fifa Ban: Court Strike Out Suit Against NFF

A court injunction against recent elections into the Executive Committee (ExCo) of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has been withdrawn.

Justice Ambrose Allagoa of the Federal High Court, Jos, said the case filed by Solomon Ogba and Yaya Adama challenging the NFF elections held on September 30 has been withdrawn, and that his initial ruling, which had voided the outcomes from recent NFF congresses, “struck out”.

“I have struck out the matter and I back this on Order 50 of the Federal High Court rules, which gives me the power to strike out a case that has been discontinued. The suit cease to have life therefore,” said the judge.

Fifa had warned Nigeria will be automatically suspended by midday Friday, 31 October, if the NFF/Chris Giwa case was not withdrawn from the court.

Nigeria President Goodluck Jonathan reportedly had a meeting with stakeholders in the football sector, including Fifa recognised NFF president Amaju Pinncik and self acclaimed president Chris Giwa, on Wednesday night ordering that the suit be set aside in the interest of the country.

Lead counsel to the plaintiffs Habila Ardzard added: “As a result of pleas from so many well-meaning Nigerians and in the national interest, my clients have discontinued with the case.”

A lawyer representing the football fraternity Joshua Onoja confirmed the development, saying: “The case against the NFF has been withdrawn.”

The decision means Delta State FA chairman and newly-elected president, Pinnick, retains the leadership of the NFF and Nigeria could, yet heave a momentary sigh of relief that another Fifa hammer shall pass.