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FIFA lifts threat to suspend Nigeria from world soccer
FIFA has lifted a threat to suspend Nigeria from international soccer, clearing the team to resume its Africa Cup of Nations qualifying program.
FIFA says it got assurances that “legitimate leadership” of Nigeria’s soccer federation is restored to power and has control of its offices.
A rival group occupied the offices during the World Cup citing authority from a local court order.
FIFA rules prohibit interference in how elected officials run soccer federations under threat of teams and administrators being suspended from international games and meetings.
Nigeria, which was eliminated from the World Cup group stage in Russia, is scheduled to play a 2019 Cup of Nations qualifier on Sept. 7 at Seychelles.
Nigeria lost its opening qualifier against South Africa. Libya is also in the group.
Maryland to wear helmet sticker to honor McNair
Members of the Maryland football team will wear a helmet sticker with No. 79 to honor former teammate Jordan McNair, who collapsed during a practice session in May and subsequently died.
In an announcement Monday morning, the school said no player will wear his number for the next three years the time during which he would have been eligible to play.
McNair was running laps on the practice field on May 29 when he was overcome by heat and exhaustion. After being treated at the team facility, he was taken to a hospital and died of heatstroke on June 13.
Coach DJ Durkin was placed on administrative leave on Aug. 11. Strength and conditioning coach Rick Court has resigned, and two members of the football staff remain on administrative leave.
Offensive coordinator Matt Canada is serving as interim coach.
Ronaldo, Modric, Salah on best player award shortlist
Cristiano Ronaldo is on a three-man shortlist to be named the best player in Europe for last season.
Ronaldo will be up against Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric and Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah for the award next week at the Champions League draw ceremony in Monaco.
The award typically rewards Champions League performances, but voters can take the World Cup into account. Modric won the Golden Ball for captaining Croatia to the final, where his team lost to France.
UEFA says voting by Champions League coaches and invited journalists across Europe placed three Frenchmen in the top 10. Antoine Griezmann of Atletico Madrid was fourth, Kylian Mbappe of Paris SaintGermain was sixth and Raphael Varane of Real Madrid was eighth.