ABUJA: Nigeria president Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday banned the country`s football team from international competition for two years following their dismal showing at the World Cup, his office said.

"President Goodluck Jonathan has directed that Nigeria withdraws from international competition for two years to enable the country to put its house in order," spokesman Ima Niboro told reporters after a weekly cabinet meeting.

Nigeria finished bottom of their group in South Africa with just one point from three matches.

They lost to Argentina and Greece and drew with South Korea.

BDST: 2044hrs, June 30, 2010