For fielding Shehu Abdullahi in the final game of the 2018 World Cup qualifier against Algeria, the Super Eagles of Nigeria have been punished by FIFA. The world football governing body fined Nigeria 6,000 Swiss Francs (approximately N2,175,660.00).
Nigeria played a 1-1 draw with the Algerians on November 10.
According to the world football governing body, Nigeria flouted article 8 of the regulations of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia and article 55 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code by fielding Abdullahi.
Abdullai had been cautioned twice in two consecutive games and had a one-match suspension imposed as a result, a suspension he failed to serve by featuring in the Algerian game, Complete Sports reported, quoting a statement from the world football governing body.
Nigeria was also imposed a 3-0 penalty in favour of Algeria.
Luckily for the Super Eagles though, they had already qualified before the game.
With this decision, Nigeria can no longer be considered to have not lost a game and qualified for the World Cup on 13 points, rather than the initial 14.
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