( CNN ) -- Football 's governing body FIFA has suspended the Nigerian Football Federation ( NFF ) due to government interference . The indefinite ban means Nigeria wo n't be allowed to participate in any international matches and will not be involved in qualifying for the African Nations Cup . In the wake of the country 's poor showing at the World Cup -- where they failed to get out of the group stages -- Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan decided to suspend the national team at all levels for two years . Jonathan then reversed his decision after FIFA threatened to expel Nigeria and withhold $ 8 million due to them for playing at the World Cup . Now they have been told they will not be readmitted to international competition until FIFA are satisfied the NFF is free to operate without any government interference . FIFA said in a statement given to CNN : `` The FIFA Emergency Committee decided today , 4 October 2010 , to suspend the Nigeria Football Federation ( NFF ) with immediate effect on account of government interference . `` This decision follows the latest events linked to the NFF , such as the court actions against elected members of the NFF Executive Committee preventing them from exercising their functions and duties , the stepping down of the acting NFF General Secretary on the instructions of the National Sports Commission , the decision of the Minister of Sports to have the Nigerian League start without relegation from the previous season , and the fact that the NFF Executive Committee can not work properly due to this interference . `` The suspension will be maintained until the court actions have ceased and the duly elected NFF Executive Committee is able to work without any interference . `` During the period of suspension , the NFF will not be able to be represented in any regional , continental or international competitions , including at club level , and also not in friendly matches . '' Nigeria had already played one African Nations Cup qualifier against Madagascar -- a game they won 2-0 .
Nigeria are banned from international competition by football 's governing body FIFA . FIFA say government interference in the Nigerian Football Federation is the reason . Comment: