Lagos, Nigeria (Haaba) – Nigeria’s President, Goodluck Jonathan, has finally bowed to pressures from both Nigerians and FIFA, reversing his earlier decision to withdraw the Super Eagles from all international competitions for two years.

In order to appease the president so as to revert the ban, the Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Sunday announced the impeachment of its President, Sani Lulu, first Vice-President, Amanze Uchegbulam, and Technical Committee boss, Taiwo Ogunjobi for alleged financial misappropriations.

Speaking on the reversal, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ima Niboro, in an statement explained that the president decided to reverse the ban after appeals from well-meaning Nigerians and the assurances from the NFF that it had proceeded to put its house in order by replacing the Sani Lulu-led board.

Niboro also said that the NFF had also tendered an unreserved apology to Nigerians. “The NFF, at a meeting with President Jonathan today (Monday) tendered an unreserved apology to the President and the Nigerian people on the dismal performance of the country’s football team, the Super Eagles, at the World Cup appearance.

“They also informed the President of their decision to disband the team, and address the numerous shortcomings evident in the management of football in Nigeria.

“They assured the President of their commitment to evolving an enduring football development programme, and grow a new senior national team that will bring glory, rather than consistent embarrassment to Nigeria on the world stage.

“They informed the President that as a first step, they have proceeded to put their own house in order by removing the leadership of the NFF and replacing it with an interim leadership. Based on these assurances, and the appeals of well-meaning Nigerians, including former leaders, President Jonathan has decided to review the earlier two-year ban on the country from all international football competitions.

“This review would enable other categories of Nigerian players to participate in global football competitions, while a new senior national team is being developed,” the statement read.

President Jonathan last Thursday banned Nigerian teams from participating in all FIFA organised competitions for the next two years, following the poor performance of the Eagles and the team's early exit in South Africa. The government also announced the dissolution of the NFF board.

Jonathan's action drew the wrath of FIFA, which threatened to ban Nigeria for violating its statute that discourages government interference in the administration of football. It gave the Nigerian Government a 48-hour ultimatum to rescind its decision which elapsed Monday evening. But Nigeria was able to beat the deadline.