Four months after the disputed 2026 FIFA World Cup African play-off final between the Nigeria national football team and the DR Congo national football team, FIFA has sanctioned both the Nigeria Football Federation and the DR Congo Football Federation over disciplinary incidents that occurred during the match.
DR Congo defeated Nigeria 4–3 on penalties in Morocco on November 16, 2025, to secure a place in the intercontinental play-offs.
According to FIFA’s latest disciplinary overview for the World Cup qualifiers, both football bodies were found guilty of separate infractions during the encounter. Nigeria was penalized for a breach relating to order and security at matches, specifically involving the throwing of objects by spectators, contrary to Article 17 and Article 17.2.b of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. FIFA consequently imposed a fine of 1,000 Swiss francs on the Nigerian federation.
The Congolese federation received a heavier sanction after supporters were found to have used laser pointers or similar electronic devices during the match, an act that contravenes Article 17.2.d of the Code. FIFA fined the DR Congo body 5,000 Swiss francs.
In the aftermath of the defeat, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle alleged that DR Congo officials resorted to voodoo practices during the fixture.
The sanctions come amid heightened expectations over FIFA’s pending decision on a protest filed by the Nigerian federation against the alleged use of ineligible players by DR Congo during the African play-off, particularly in the final.
Nigeria submitted a formal complaint on December 15, 2025, urging FIFA to investigate and possibly disqualify DR Congo from the qualification process. The petition argued that the Congolese federation misled FIFA in securing nationality switches for several overseas-born players who featured in the decisive clash.
The document, made public by journalist Osasu Obayiuwana, listed players in the starting line-up and on the bench, including Lionel Mpasi, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku, Samuel Moutoussamy, Ngal’ayel Mukau, Noah Sadiki, Nathanaël Mbuku, Cédric Bakambu, Timothy Fayulu, Matthieu Epolo, Joris Kayembe, Edo Kayembe, Steve Kapuadi, Gédéon Kalulu, Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Mario Stroeykens.
Nigeria maintained that several of the players obtained clearance to represent DR Congo only days before the crucial play-off, despite having been called up earlier for the fixture.
Meanwhile, 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 and Jamaica on March 31 for a place at the tournament, although they have since omitted Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Mario Stroeykens from their 26-man squad.
