Nigeria FA chiefs disagree over Maigari sacking

A file picture taken on December 1, 2010 shows Aminu Maigari after he is confirmed as the chairman of the Nigeria Football Federation during a ceremony in Abuja. By (AFP/File)

Abuja (AFP) - A majority of the general assembly of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has rejected the impeachment of Aminu Maigari as president of the federation.

This came less than two weeks after world football's governing body FIFA lifted a suspension on Nigeria over alleged government interference that saw the sports minister appoint a caretaker administrator for the NFF.

A total of 26 state FA chairmen, who make up more than 50 percent of the 44-member congress in line with NFF statutes, resolved at a pre-general assembly that Maigari should remain president of the NFF and he should immediately return to office.

The FA chiefs argued that Maigari's purported dismissal did not follow laid down procedures.

They also dismissed the allegations of financial improprieties and maladministration against the embattled NFF boss.

An extraordinary congress slated for Abuja on Thursday, which was to endorse Maigari's impeachment, was on Wednesday shelved by the NFF executive committee due to what an official statement said were "unforeseen circumstances".

But observers said the postponement was because those pushing for Maigari's removal "did not have the numbers" that would ratify the move.

The Abuja hotel where a majority of the congress were staying ahead of the meeting was sealed off by security operatives on Thursday.

Elections to the executive committee of the NFF have been fixed for August 26.