The NFL's Oyuiki Obaseki has been banned for three years

Five senior officials have been suspended by the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) for delaying the start of the country's league.

A statement issued by the NFA said that Nigerian Football League (NFL) chairman Oyuki Obaseki had been banned from football-related activities for the next three years.

His vice-chairman Shehu Gusau was suspended for two years.

NFL Executive Secretary Salihu Abubakar, media chief Isaac Ibafidon and official Arthur Kwame were also banned for two years each.

NFA board member Taiwo Ogunjobi claimed in the statement that the officials brought the game into disrepute and held back its development.

The NFA directed the NFL board to elect new officials to replace those suspended within three days.

The Nigerian league had been due to kick off on September 1 but did not after the NFA and NFL disagreed over who should appoint referees for matches.