FIFA had given Nigeria until today, Monday, August 20 to give running of the NFF back to Pinnick whom they recognise as the legitimate leader of the federation or risk a ban.

Just before the deadline, the Federal Government quickly wrote to FIFA to confirm that the NFF has been handed back to Pinnick.

“The FG has already conveyed to FIFA its firm position recognizing Amaju Pinnick-led NFF as the current and only NFF Exco,” Laolu Akande, the Senior Special Assistant-Media and Publicity to Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo who was acting as the acting-President with Buhari on vacation.

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“Govt will also continue to work with all relevant stakeholders involved to resolve dispute in a timely manner. FG is upholding NFF treaty obligations to FIFA.”

The swift move is to avoid any ban for Nigeria which could have affected the Super Eagles of Nigeria ahead of the 2019 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Seychelles away on Saturday, September 7.

The Super Falcons would have also been affected and missed the 2018 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON) in December.