Nigeria suspends World Cup team

Abuja, 01 July-(ANA)-Nigeria's president has suspended his nation's football team from international competition for two years after a poor showing at the World Cup.

Special presidential adviser Ima Niboro told reporters the decision by Goodluck Jonathan will "enable Nigeria to reorganise its football".

The Nigerian Football Federation, NFF, is to be dissolved and an interim board appointed, reports say.

The president also plans an audit of the country's World Cup organising committee.

"If any financial misappropriation is discovered, all officials responsible will be held accountable," Niboro added.

The NFF apologised to "all football-loving Nigerians" for the country's early exit from South Africa.

"No previous board has qualified Nigeria for all major tournaments internationally," the NFF said in a statement, adding that officials wanted Swedish coach Lars Lagerbeck to remain at the helm.

Under Fifa rules, government interference with national teams is strictly forbidden. (ANA)

FA/ANA/01 July 2010-----------