World Cup: FIFA sanctions Nigeria, DR Congo

World football governing body, FIFA, has sanctioned both Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo over disciplinary breaches that occurred during their controversial 2026 World Cup African play-off final.

Nigeria’s football authority, the Nigeria Football Federation, and the DR Congo Football Federation were found guilty of separate offences during the match played in Morocco on November 16, 2025.

According to FIFA’s latest disciplinary report on the qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Nigeria was penalised after spectators were reported to have thrown objects during the game.

The act was deemed a breach of Articles 17 and 17.2.b of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. As a result, the NFF was fined 1,000 Swiss francs.

DR Congo received a heavier punishment after their supporters were found to have used laser pointers or similar electronic devices during the encounter, an offence under Article 17.2.d of the code.

FIFA consequently imposed a 5,000 Swiss francs fine on the Congolese football body.

DR Congo defeated Nigeria 4–3 on penalties in the tense play-off final to progress to the intercontinental play-offs.

Following the defeat, Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle alleged that DR Congo officials resorted to voodoo during the match.

Meanwhile, attention has shifted to FIFA’s pending verdict on Nigeria’s protest against DR Congo over the alleged use of ineligible players during the play-off.

Nigeria had lodged a formal complaint on December 15, 2025, asking FIFA to probe the eligibility status of several players who featured for the Congolese side.

The NFF argued that the Congolese federation allegedly misled FIFA in processing nationality switches for a number of overseas-born players who represented the country in the decisive fixture.

Among those listed in the complaint were Lionel Mpasi, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku, Samuel Moutoussamy, Ngal’ayel Mukau, Noah Sadiki, Nathanaël Mbuku and Cédric Bakambu, along with several substitutes.

The complaint, which was made public by journalist Osasu Obayiuwana, claimed that some of the players only obtained clearance to represent DR Congo just days before the play-off match despite being called up earlier.