Nigeria's government lifted a two-year ban it imposed on its national football team after a dismal World Cup showing, avoiding a collision with world governing body FIFA in the process. The government issued a statement saying the country's football federation apologised to the president and informed him that the national team would be disbanded with the aim of building a new one. "Based on these assurances, and the appeals of well-meaning Nigerians, including former leaders, President Goodluck Jonathan has decided to review the earlier two-year ban on the country from all international football competitions," it said. Nigeria last Wednesday slapped a two-year ban from international competition on the squad after the traditional African powerhouse finished bottom of their group in South Africa with just one point from three matches.