Hope rises for NFF

The Confederation of African Football confirmed on Friday it had told the match officials for Nigeria's fixture against Guinea in Conakry to travel for the game in the expectation that the suspension would be lifted.

A spokesman told Reuters they were awaiting word from FIFA, who on Monday suspended the west African country from international competition.

The Guinea Football Federation said it had received faxed instructions from the CAF to continue with preparations for Sunday's Group B qualifier, according to local media.

Nigeria were suspended after weeks of political intrigue in a battle to control the country's football affairs following a disappointing World Cup showing.

FIFA said the ban, which effectively halts all international contact, had come after court actions prevented Nigerian Football Federation officials from "exercising their functions and duties" and after interference from the country's Sports Minister and National Sports Commission.

"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," said Monday's statement from world football's governing body.

Since then, a court bid that sought to nullify recent federation election results has been withdrawn and the NFF's acting general secretary, Musa Amadu, has been reinstated in his job.

Nigeria's team have continued with their preparations for the Nations Cup qualifier but acting coach Austin Eguavoen said he and the players were unhappy with the situation.

FIFA have not yet provided an update on discussions over Nigeria's ban.