World’s football governing body, FIFA has directed the Nigeria Football Federation to pay a fine of $154,000 following the violence that erupted after the World Cup playoff against the Black Stars of Ghana in Abuja.
In addition, the Super Eagles will play their upcoming 2023 AFCON qualifiers against Sierra Leone behind close doors.
This sanctions by FIFA comes after fans of Nigeria stormed onto the pitch of Mashood Abiola stadium following the Super Eagles failure to qualify for the World Cup.
The irate fans destroyed properties at the stadium including removing two dugouts after the Super Eagles were denied an opportunity to represent the country at this year’s World up.
The match which ended in a 1-1 draw in Abuja meant bitter rivals Ghana qualified on the away goal ruling.
Also, the likes Algeria, DR Congo, Egypt, Morocco and Senegal were given various punishments after the World governing body’s assessment of the match report.
The Teranga Lions of Senegal are set to pay $180,000 in fines.
“Failure to implement existing safety rules and failure to ensure that law and order are maintained in the stadium, invasion of the field of play, throwing of objects, lighting of fireworks, use of laser pointers and use of objects to transmit a message that is not appropriate for a sports events – offensive banner,” stated FIFA as reason for handing Senegal the heavy fine.
