FIFA sanctions Nigeria following crowd trouble in the playoff against Ghana

FIFA has ordered Nigeria to play their next home game behind closed doors and fined them CHF 150,000 (₦63m) for the trouble their fans caused after their World Cup playoff clash against Ghana. 

The Super Eagles hosted Ghana in the second leg of their 2022 World Cup playoff clash at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in March. 

Having played out a goalless draw in the first leg at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, the Super Eagles had to win to seal their qualification. 

However, in front of a 60,000 capacity crowd at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, they could only play a 1-1 draw in the second leg, meaning Ghana qualified via the away goals rule. 

Following the team's failure to qualify, the home fans took to the pitch to express their anger. In the process, they destroyed some properties in the stadium, while they also put the safety of the Ghanaians in danger. 

As a result, FIFA has now landed a hammer blow on the country for failing to provide adequate security and control their crowd. FIFA, through its media department, announced on Monday that Nigeria has been fined CHF 150,000 and also ordered to play their next home game without fans. 

ALSO READ: 5 players that can lead Nigeria to AFCON 2023 glory

It means the Super Eagles' next home game, which is a 2023 Africa Cup Nations qualifier against Sierra Leone in June, will have no fans in attendance. 

However, they can welcome fans back for their next home game against Sao Tome or Mauritius.