World football governing body, FIFA, has extended the four-year ban on former Nigeria junior international, Orji Okonkwo, to worldwide.

Okonkwo was earlier banned by the Italian National Anti-Doping Tribunal for doping violations.

The extension of the ban was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the Director of Communications at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ademola Olajire.

Olajire stated that FIFA’s verdict followed its ruling on the case brought before it by Italian NADO.

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He noted: “Chairperson of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, Jorge Ivan Palacio affirmed that the player had been cited properly, he has had the opportunity to state his case.

“The decision has been communicated properly, the decision complies with the regulations of FIFA and extending the sanctions does not conflict with public order or with accepted standards of behaviour.

“Consequently, the committee decided to extend the sanction imposed on the player by the Italian NADO on 20 June 2022.

“More specifically, the player is sanctioned with a four-year suspension from all football-related activities in accordance with the Decision.”

The four-year ban on Orji Okonkwo is between February 25, 2022, and February 24, 2026.

The Star