Nigeria banned from international competition

Nigel Brown| 30 June 2010| Sport.co|

FILE - The June 22, 2010 file photo shows Nigeria players, front row from left, Chidi Odiah, Ikechukwu Uche, Chinedu Obasi, goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, back row from left, Rabiu Afolabi, Yussuf Ayila, Dickson Etuhu, Danny Shittu, Yakubu Ayegbeni, Joseph Yobo, and Nwankwo Kanu, pose for a team photo before the World Cup group B soccer match between Nigeria and South Korea at the stadium in Durban, South Africa. Nigeria's president has suspended the national football team from international competition for two years after a poor showing at the World Cup, a spokesperson said Wednesday, June 30, 2010. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

Nigeria have been banned from competing in international competition for the next two years by unhappy president Goodluck Jonathan.

Jonathan has imposed the suspension following the Super Eagles‘ dismal showing at the World Cup in South Africa.

Coached by Swedish veteran Lars Lagerback, they finished bottom of the Group B table after losing to Greece and Argentina and drawing with South Korea.

“Mr President has directed that Nigeria will withdraw from all international football competition for the next two years to enable Nigeria to reorganise its football,” said Ima Niboro, a spokesperson for Jonathan.

“This directive became necessary following Nigeria’s poor performance in the ongoing FIFA World Cup.”

Under Fifa rules, government interference with national teams is strictly forbidden