World football governing body, FIFA, has sanctioned the Nigeria Football Federation and the DR Congo Football Federation over disciplinary breaches recorded during the disputed 2026 World Cup African play-off final between both countries.
The sanctions were contained in FIFA’s latest disciplinary overview for matches in the qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Nigeria was penalised after supporters were found guilty of throwing objects during the match played in Morocco on November 16, 2025.
The incident was ruled a breach of Articles 17 and 17.2.b of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, prompting FIFA to fine the NFF 1,000 Swiss francs.
On their part, DR Congo were handed a heavier sanction after their supporters used laser pointers or similar electronic devices during the encounter, contravening Article 17.2.d of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
The Congolese football body was consequently fined 5,000 Swiss francs.
DR Congo defeated Nigeria 4–3 on penalties in the tense play-off final to advance to the intercontinental play-offs.
In the aftermath of the defeat, Super Eagles coach, Eric Chelle, alleged that DR Congo officials resorted to voodoo during the encounter.
Meanwhile, attention has shifted to the pending decision by FIFA on Nigeria’s protest against the alleged use of ineligible players by DR Congo during the African play-off, particularly in the final.
The NFF had submitted a formal petition on December 15, 2025, urging FIFA to investigate the eligibility of several players who featured for DR Congo in the match.
Nigeria claimed that the Congolese federation misled FIFA in processing nationality switches for a number of foreign-born players.
Players listed in the complaint include Lionel Mpasi, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku, Samuel Moutoussamy, Ngal’ayel Mukau, Noah Sadiki, Nathanaël Mbuku and Cédric Bakambu, as well as substitutes Timothy Fayulu, Matthieu Epolo, Joris Kayembe, Edo Kayembe, Steve Kapuadi, Gédéon Kalulu, Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Mario Stroeykens.
The complaint, made public by journalist Osasu Obayiuwana, argued that some of the players obtained clearance to represent DR Congo only days before the decisive play-off despite being called up earlier.
