Organisers move venue of invitational tourney to Turkey
World football governing body (FIFA), yesterday, announced sanctions for both the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Congolese Football Association following disciplinary incidents recorded during the final of the African playoff for the 2026 World Cup between the two countries.

FIFA was, however, silent on Nigeria’s protest against DR Congo for allegedly fielding ineligible players in the playoff final.

The sanction by FIFA came just as the Jordan Football Association confirmed a change of venue for the four-nation invitational tournament, for which Nigeria has been invited, to Turkey.

According to FIFA’s latest disciplinary overview for World Cup qualifying matches, the two football bodies were found guilty of separate infractions during the encounter played on November 16, 2025 in Morocco.

FIFA stated that Nigeria was penalised for a breach relating to order and security at matches, specifically involving the throwing of objects by spectators during the game. The offence falls under Article 17 and Article 17.2.b of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, for which the NFF was fined 1,000 Swiss Francs.

The Congolese federation, however, received a heavier sanction after supporters were found to have used laser pointers or similar electronic devices during the match. The act contravenes Article 17.2.d of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, leading FIFA to impose a fine of 5,000 Swiss Francs on the DR Congo Football Association.

Meanwhile, the Super Eagles are now set to move to Antalya, Turkey, following the change of venue for the four-national tourney.

Originally scheduled for Amman, the competition has been moved to Antalya “due to the current situation in the region and the limited movement of people,” according to a statement from the JFA.

The tournament will feature Jordan, Iran, Nigeria and Costa Rica as part of their international preparations.

Jordan will open the tournament with a game against Costa Rica on March 27, while Nigeria face Iran the same evening. Four days later, the hosts will meet the Super Eagles, with Iran taking on Costa Rica in the other fixture.

The event coincides with the Inter-Continental World Cup playoffs, where Nigeria have petitioned FIFA over DR Congo’s alleged use of ineligible players during the African qualifiers in Morocco.