Nengomasha

April 9, 2005 THE drama might be unfolding in Lagos and Zurich but interest in the growing tension between world football governing body Fifa and Nigeria has obviously spilled into Zimbabwe. The Warriors stand to be the greatest beneficiaries should the impasse between Fifa and Nigeria end in the expulsion of the Super Eagles from the qualifiers for the World Cup finals in Germany next year. Fifa warned on Monday that it was running out of patience with the pace of the reforms in Nigerian football and could kick out the country from the world football family. Nigeria were this year given a reprieve by Fifa to complete reforms to its football statutes at the earliest possible time.

But it appears Fifa are not happy with the pace of the exercise and, in particular, are concerned that in the new set of regulations the Government still has the power to nominate members of the Nigerian Football Association.

The bill, bringing the new Fifa approved amendments into effect, is yet to be passed into law by the country's national assembly. Fifa officials believe the Nigerians, who were initially reluctant to effect the changes, are playing a mind game with the world's football governing body.

"We have come to the end of our patience with Nigeria," a high-ranking Fifa official, who chose not to be named, told the BBC on Monday. "Nigeria is playing a game of poker with their international football future. "We have been following what has been happening with regards to the reforms of the statutes. Things will happen when they happen," said the same official.

NFA chairman Ibrahim Galadima told the BBC that the issue was no longer within their control. "As far as the NFA is concerned we can do no more. We have passed the needed changes to our laws but the rest must be done by the Government. "Our programme will be derailed - if we are banned - but it will not be of our making. "We are hoping and praying that this matter would be resolved soon."

Should Nigeria be kicked out then it will be a huge bonus to Zimbabwe's battle to book their maiden place at the World Cup finals.

The Super Eagles beat the Warriors 3-0 at the National Sports Stadium last September - a result that would be nullified in the event of their expulsion.

It also means that Angola, who lead Zimbabwe by three points, will also lose the victory they famously inflicted on the Nigerians when they beat them 1-0 in Luanda. Angola would also lose the goal they scored in that match. Such a scenario would make Zimbabwe favourites to win the group and go to the World Cup finals as the Warriors would have two matches at home - against Gabon and Rwanda - and just one away against Algeria.

Zifa chairman Rafik Khan said last night his association was closely following the developments in Nigeria. "I have to make it clear that it is not our wish as Zifa to have Nigeria disqualified. "We believe that the Nigerians are our brothers and if they are the best team in the group then they deserve to qualify. "But if it happens that they are disqualified and it helps our country's World Cup cause then there is nothing that we can do but celebrate such an achievement. "We will keep our ears on the ground to get the latest on the developments. "At the same time we are focussing on our match and we are looking at how best to prepare for that encounter," said Khan.

Zifa Chairman: Rafik Khan

The Zifa boss and his crew received a lot of credit for the manner they laid the groundwork for the Warriors to prepare for their World Cup qualifier against Angola. Zimbabwe beat Angola 2-0 at the National Sports Stadium to keep alive their hopes of winning a ticket to the World Cup in Germany and the African Cup of Nations finals in Egypt.