The action by football's world governing body came after a Nigerian court sacked the NFF President, Aminu Maigari, its Executive Committee members and Congress.

The Nigerian Minister of Sports, Tammy Danagogo, then appointed a senior member of the civil service to manage the NFF until the matter is heard in court again, without giving any date for such a hearing.

An elective congress had originally been planned by the NFF for August 26.

The decision comes less than two weeks after Nigeria reached the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup in Brazil, where they lost 2-0 to France. 

"The suspension will be lifted once the court actions have been withdrawn and the properly elected NFF Executive Committee, the NFF general assembly and the NFF administration are able to work without any interference in their affairs," FIFA said in a statement.

"As a result of this decision, no team from Nigeria of any sort (including clubs) can have any international sporting contact (art. 14 par. 3 of the FIFA Statutes).

"During the period of suspension, the NFF may not be represented in any regional, continental or international competitions, including at club level, or in friendly matches."

The ruling means that unless the suspension is lifted Nigeria will not be able to compete at the FIFA Under-20 Women's World Cup due to take place in Canada on August 5 on 24.

Aminu Maigari was sacked as NFF President following allegations that he was trying to manipulate the forthcoming board elections ©Getty Images




But Danagogo has insisted the Government had to interfere following allegations that Maigari was trying to manipulate the forthcoming board elections to ensure his re-election as leader of the NFF.

"Nigeria is safe, I can tell you that," Danagogo said.

"What FIFA wants is for the right things to be done and there should be a high level of independence in what is happening.

"So far, from what has happened, I think Government has been very fair.

"Government has done everything possible not to unduly interfere.

"As a Government, we have a constitutional duty to maintain law and order.

"When factions in the football family begin to dispute, we have a duty to see that we don't allow them to kill one another.

"We won't allow them to destroy the buildings where they are operating.

"Beyond that, we have not done anything.

"What we have done is to see that law and order is maintained."

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