World football governing body FIFA has imposed sanctions on the Nigeria Football Federation and the DR Congo Football Federation over misconduct recorded during their 2026 World Cup African play-off clash.
The decision comes months after the heated encounter between both national teams, which ended in a penalty shootout victory for DR Congo. The Congolese side triumphed 4–3 after regulation time failed to produce a winner, securing a place in the intercontinental play-offs.
Details released in FIFA’s latest disciplinary report showed that both federations committed separate violations during the match played on November 16, 2025.
Nigeria was punished for crowd-related disturbances. FIFA cited a breach linked to order and security, after spectators threw objects during the game. The offence falls under Article 17 and Article 17.2.b of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. As a result, the NFF received a fine of 1,000 Swiss francs.
DR Congo faced a stiffer penalty due to the actions of their supporters. FIFA found that fans used laser pointers or similar electronic devices during the match. This act violates Article 17.2.d of the disciplinary code. The Congolese federation was therefore fined 5,000 Swiss francs.
Tension had surrounded the fixture even after its conclusion. Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle accused officials of the opposing team of resorting to voodoo following Nigeria’s defeat.
The sanctions have added to the growing anticipation over FIFA’s pending decision on a protest filed by Nigeria. The NFF had challenged DR Congo’s use of certain players, alleging that some were ineligible to feature in the play-off.
Nigeria submitted its petition on December 15, 2025. The federation urged FIFA to investigate the matter and consider disqualifying DR Congo from the qualification process.
In its complaint, Nigeria listed several players of foreign origin who appeared in the match. These include Lionel Mpasi, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku, Samuel Moutoussamy, Ngal’ayel Mukau, Noah Sadiki, Nathanaël Mbuku and Cédric Bakambu. Others named are substitutes Timothy Fayulu, Matthieu Epolo, Joris Kayembe, Edo Kayembe, Steve Kapuadi, Gédéon Kalulu, Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Mario Stroeykens.
The Nigerian federation argued that some of the players received clearance to represent DR Congo only a few days before the decisive fixture, despite earlier involvement in team activities.
Meanwhile, DR Congo are preparing for the next stage of the qualifiers. The team is scheduled to face the winner of the tie between New Caledonia and Jamaica on March 31 for a place at the World Cup. However, the Congolese side has excluded two of the disputed players, Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Mario Stroeykens, from its current 26-man squad.
