Nigeria Sports Roundup — Monday 16 March 2026

FIFA has sanctioned both the Nigeria Football Federation and the Congolese Football Association following disciplinary incidents during the 2026 World Cup African playoff final between the two countries played on 16 November 2025 in Rabat. Nigeria was found guilty of a breach of order and security under Article 17 and Article 17.2.b of the FIFA Disciplinary Code after fans threw objects during the game — resulting in a 1,000 Swiss Franc fine (approximately $1,100). The Congolese FA received a heavier sanction after their supporters used laser pointers during the match, violating Article 17.2.d. Meanwhile, the NFF’s separate petition alleging that DRC fielded 6–9 ineligible players — citing a conflict between FIFA’s nationality-switch rules and the DRC constitution’s ban on dual citizenship — remains unresolved. FIFA has not yet issued a ruling on the eligibility dispute, despite DR Congo being listed among teams preparing for the intercontinental playoff.

Victor Osimhen has made UCL history. With eight goal involvements (7 goals, 1 assist) in the 2025/26 Champions League, he has broken the all-time Nigerian record previously shared at six by Ademola Lookman, Tijani Babangida, Yakubu Ayegbeni and John Utaka. His crucial assist for Mario Lemina’s 7th-minute winner helped Galatasaray beat Liverpool 1-0 in the Round of 16 first leg at RAMS Park on 10 March. He also scored his 12th Super Lig goal of the season in Saturday’s 3-0 thrashing of Basaksehir. Galatasaray travel to Anfield for the second leg on Wednesday 18 March leading 1-0. Osimhen is also confident ahead of the return: “We can do some damage there at Anfield.” Galatasaray president has promised the squad a €5m bonus if they eliminate Liverpool.

Nigeria’s D’Tigress delivered one of their most memorable performances at the FIBA Women’s World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament in Lyon-Villeurbanne, France on Saturday 14 March. Trailing 42–51 at half-time, they turned the match around with a dominant third quarter (34–21) to win 101–84 — their highest score in international competition in seven years. The 58 rebounds set a new all-time FIBA qualifying tournament record. Six players hit double figures. Murjanatu Musa narrowly missed a triple-double with 10 points, 12 rebounds and 8 assists to earn MVP honours. Nigeria top Group D with 5 points from three games. Although already qualified for the September 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup in Berlin as African champions, the team continues to use the qualifying window as crucial preparation.