FIFA makes Nigeria one of 30 Countries Sanctioned

In response to the unruly behavior of Nigeria supporters during the return leg of the FIFA world cup qualifiers against the Black Stars of Ghana in Abuja, the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has acted in kind to drop on the Nigerian Football Federation a fine as an immediate punishment for its inaction in curtailing the acts.

The World soccer ruling body, FIFA, imposed a 150,000 Swiss Franc fine on Nigeria following the behavior of fans after the full time whistle of the second leg Qatar 2022 World Cup play-off between the Super Eagles and Black Stars of Ghana at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja, on March 29, which had seen the defeat of the super eagles.

The match which ultimately ended in a 1-1 draw to seal Ghana’s qualification to the World Cup on away goal rule was met with violent reactions from Nigerians who had trooped in en masse to watch their team slug to defeat at the hands of arch rivals in a fixture now called the Jollof derby. Alongside the fine, the Country is sanctioned to play a home game without the presence of supporters in the stadium.

Judging from the Country’s eventual absence from the Qatar tournament, it can be considered a sanction that Nigerian supporters will be less bothered about as their actions though lacking the spirit of sportsmanship did draw the attention they had intended—to leave behind their frustration for the night and against the NFF.

In line with FIFA’s zero-tolerance stance against discrimination and violence in football, a number of other member associations have been punished due to some abusive behavior by their respective supporters, such as Senegal against Egypt’s Mohamed Salah during same World Cup Qualifiers.