FIFA has sanctioned the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the DR Congo Football Federation following disciplinary incidents during the disputed 2026 FIFA World Cup African play-off between Nigeria national football team and DR Congo national football team.
The match, played on November 16, 2025, in Morocco, ended with DR Congo defeating Nigeria 4–3 on penalties to progress to the intercontinental play-offs.
According to FIFA’s disciplinary overview for the qualifiers, the NFF was fined 1,000 Swiss francs after Nigerian supporters were found to have thrown objects during the match. The offence breached Article 17 and Article 17.2.b of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which relates to order and security at matches.
The Congolese federation received a heavier sanction, with FIFA imposing a 5,000 Swiss francs fine after supporters were found to have used laser pointers or similar electronic devices during the game, an offence under Article 17.2.d of the disciplinary code.
Following the defeat, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle accused DR Congo officials of using voodoo during the match.
Meanwhile, attention remains on FIFA’s expected decision regarding a protest filed by the NFF over the alleged use of ineligible players by DR Congo during the African play-offs.
Nigeria submitted a petition to FIFA on December 15, 2025, requesting an investigation into claims that several overseas-born players representing DR Congo had their nationality switches approved only days before the decisive play-off match.
The complaint listed players including Lionel Mpasi, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku, Samuel Moutoussamy, Ngal’ayel Mukau, Noah Sadiki, Nathanaël Mbuku and Cédric Bakambu among those who featured against Nigeria.
While the case remains under review, DR Congo are preparing for the World Cup intercontinental play-offs, where they are scheduled to face the winner of the semi-final between New Caledonia national football team and Jamaica national football team on March 31 for a place at the World Cup.
However, DR Congo have omitted two of the disputed players, Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Mario Stroeykens, from their latest 26-man squad.
