FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) are reportedly considering sanctions against the Nigeria Football Federation following the crowd disturbances that erupted after Nigeria’s 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Ghana in Abuja.
The incident occurred after Ghana secured qualification for the World Cup on the away goals rule, prompting unrest inside the stadium as disappointed home supporters invaded the pitch and damaged property.
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Reports following the match also alleged that the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) equipment used during the two-legged playoff was stolen after the final whistle.
Citi TV journalist Fentuo Tahiru, who covered the match in Abuja, said the VAR machine deployed for the encounter was reportedly stolen amid the post-match chaos.
He also disclosed that several Ghanaian supporters and journalists had to remove or change their Ghana jerseys and other national colours to avoid being targeted during the unrest.
The disorder followed a tense encounter in which Ghana advanced to the 2022 FIFA World Cup despite drawing 1-1 with Nigeria in the second leg after the first leg in Kumasi had ended goalless.
Midfielder Thomas Partey gave the Black Stars the lead with a long-range effort before Nigeria equalised through captain William Troost-Ekong from the penalty spot after a Video Assistant Referee review confirmed a foul by Denis Odoi inside the box.
Troost-Ekong converted the resulting penalty, sending goalkeeper Joseph Wollacott the wrong way and reigniting Nigeria’s hopes.
However, Ghana held on for the remainder of the match, with the away goal proving decisive as the Black Stars booked their place at the World Cup in Qatar.
The crowd disturbances that followed resulted in a pitch invasion, destruction of facilities and reports of stolen equipment, leading to calls for disciplinary action by football’s governing bodies.
