Nigerian president withdraws team from international football

Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan in file photo. [Agencies]

ABUJA - Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has announced that his country will withdraw from all international football competitions in the next two years.

The decision followed the Super Eagles' woeful performance of coming last with a point in the group stage in the 2010 world cup.

Presidential spokesman Ima Niboro said in Abuja on Wednesday that the president action is to re-organize the nation's football. The period of incarceration is also used to train higher coaches.

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The country will officially communicate the decision to world football governing body, the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA).

Jonathan also directed to audit the World Cup project, saying that any perceived misapplication of fund should be investigated.

He has also ordered relevant agencies of government to track down whoever has done wrong and bringing whoever found culpable to book.

Meanwhile, Jonathan has approved that the Federal Capital Territory Minister Bala Mohammed to find a suitable piece of land for the building of the Nigeria Football secretariat.

The decisions followed the recommendations submitted by the Presidential Task Force on the 2010 World Cup. The committee, headed by Governor Rotimi Ameachi of Rivers State, briefed the president on its activities.

"Mr. President has approved that we formally write to FIFA to say that Nigeria will not engage in any international competition for the next two years," governor Amaechi said.