By Daniel Etchells

The court ruling could have serious implications for Nigerian football ©Getty ImagesFIFA is expected to impose a ban on Nigeria after the Federal High Court sitting in Jos ruled that last month's Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) elections in Warri, which saw Amaju Pinnick named as President, were invalid.

Although the NFF immediately appealed the ruling, it remains to be seen what world football's governing body, who had earlier threatened to clamp down on Nigeria if anything derails the outcome of the elections, makes of the situation.

"We have been notified of the ruling of the court, which was made in spite of our filing for a preliminary objection concerning the jurisdiction of the court," said NFF's first vice-president, Seyi Akinwunmi.

"However, our lawyers have gone to work immediately the order was made.

"We are appealing the ruling and also filing for stay of execution of the order."

Nigeria may not get the opportunity to defend their Africa Cup of Nations crown which they won last year ©Getty ImagesNigeria may not get the opportunity to defend their Africa Cup of Nations crown which they won last year ©Getty Images
















Chris Giwa was initially elected President on August 26 following the resignation of Aminu Maigari, however, this was disputed by Maigari, who organised an elective congress for September 30, which Pinnick won.

The election went ahead despite a court injunction barring it from taking place being granted to a group led by Giwa.

The group were twice turned back by the Court of Arbitration for Sport but a petition challenging the validity of the election was eventually upheld by a Jos High Court which issued an injunction against it on September 19.

The court ruling means the election of Giwa has now been upheld. 

If FIFA bans Nigeria, it would mean automatic disqualification of the Super Eagles from defending the Africa Cup of Nations they won in South Africa last year.

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