FIFA has sanctioned both the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the DR Congo Football Federation following disciplinary incidents that occurred during the controversial 2026 World Cup African play-off final between the Nigeria national football team and the DR Congo national football team.
The sanctions come four months after the match, which saw DR Congo defeat Nigeria 4–3 on penalties in Morocco to progress to the intercontinental play-offs.
According to FIFA’s latest disciplinary report on the World Cup qualifiers, both football federations were found guilty of separate violations during the match played on November 16, 2025.
FIFA ruled that Nigeria breached regulations related to match order and security after spectators were reported to have thrown objects during the game. The offence falls under Articles 17 and 17.2.b of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, leading to a fine of 1,000 Swiss francs against the Nigerian federation.
Meanwhile, the Congolese federation received a heavier penalty after supporters were found to have used laser pointers or similar electronic devices during the match, an act that violates Article 17.2.d of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. As a result, the DR Congo FA was fined 5,000 Swiss francs.
In the aftermath of the defeat, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle also alleged that DR Congo officials resorted to supernatural practices during the encounter.
The disciplinary actions come as attention remains focused on the NFF’s formal protest to FIFA regarding the alleged use of ineligible players by DR Congo during the African play-offs, particularly in the final.
Nigeria submitted the complaint after the loss, arguing that the Congolese federation misled FIFA while securing nationality switches for several foreign-born players. The petition, reportedly filed on December 15, 2025, called for an investigation and requested that DR Congo be disqualified from the qualification process if violations were confirmed.
The complaint listed a number of players who featured against Nigeria, including Lionel Mpasi, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku, Samuel Moutoussamy, Ngal’ayel Mukau, Noah Sadiki, Nathanaël Mbuku and Cédric Bakambu, among others who were either in the starting line-up or appeared as substitutes.
The petition, which became public through journalist Osasu Obayiuwana, argued that several of the players only received eligibility clearance to represent DR Congo shortly before the decisive play-off match, despite being called up earlier.
While DR Congo continue preparations for the intercontinental play-offs, where they are expected to face the winner of the semi-final between New Caledonia national football team and the Jamaica national football team on March 31 for a place at the 2026 World Cup, the team has reportedly dropped two of the disputed players — Michel‑Ange Balikwisha and Mario Stroeykens — from its 26-man squad.
