July 5 - Nigeria's hopes of competing in the London 2012 Olympic football tournament and trying to go one better than they did in Beijing remain alive after the country's President Goodluck Jonathan rescinded a decision to withdraw the country's teams from international competition.



Jonathan took the decision after Nigeria was knocked out of the World Cup in South Africa in the first round following two defeats and a draw.

FIFA had warned that they suspend the country if the ban was not lifted.

"The ban has just been lifted by the President," said Ademola Olajire, spokesman for the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF).

"The Board of the NFF meets tomorrow by which time there will be further comments."

The key to solving the situation appears to have been a meeting of the NFF's Executive Committee which led to nine officials, including their President Sani Lulu and vice-president Amanze Uchegbulam, being sacked.

"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," said a statement from the President's office.

"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."

Nigeria, the 1996 Olympic football champions, won the silver medals in Beijing when they were beaten 1-0 in the final by Argentina.

Earlier FIFA President Sepp Blatter had said a deadline for Nigeria to comply with the soccer body’s directive would expire at 6pm Nigerian time today.

"The deadline is running out tonight," he said.

"We will give information tomorrow.

"FIFA has taken all adequate steps forward.

"We do hope that everything comes back to normal."


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