FIFA Sanctions Nigeria, DR Congo Over World Cup Play-Off Incidents

FIFA has sanctioned the Nigeria Football Federation and the DR Congo Football Federation following a string of disciplinary incidents during the tense 2026 World Cup African play-off final.

NaijaChoice News reports that the penalties were contained in the latest disciplinary overview released by the world governing body for the qualifiers. The match, played on November 16, 2025, in Morocco, saw DR Congo edge out the Super Eagles 4-3 on penalties to book their ticket to the intercontinental play-offs.

The NFF was found guilty of breaching order and security at matches after Nigerian spectators threw objects onto the pitch. FIFA cited Articles 17 and 17.2.b of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and slammed the Nigerian body with a fine of 1,000 Swiss francs.

The Congolese federation received a heavier punishment of 5,000 Swiss francs. FIFA ruled that DR Congo supporters used laser pointers and similar electronic devices during the game, contravening Article 17.2.d of the same code.

The sanctions come at a time when Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle had already accused DR Congo officials of resorting to voodoo tactics immediately after the defeat, further fuelling the bad blood between the two nations.

NaijaChoice News gathered that these latest fines have now piled more pressure on FIFA as it prepares to deliver a verdict on the NFF’s formal protest over the alleged use of ineligible players by DR Congo.

Nigeria lodged the complaint on December 15, 2025, insisting that the Congolese federation misled FIFA in fast-tracking nationality switches for several overseas-born players who featured prominently against the Super Eagles.

The document, which journalist Osasu Obayiuwana made public, listed the controversial players: Lionel Mpasi, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku, Samuel Moutoussamy, Ngal’ayel Mukau, Noah Sadiki, Nathanaël Mbuku and Cédric Bakambu who all started the decisive match. Substitutes named in the petition included Timothy Fayulu, Matthieu Epolo, Joris Kayembe, Edo Kayembe, Steve Kapuadi, Gédéon Kalulu, Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Mario Stroeykens.

Nigeria argued that many of these players received clearance to represent DR Congo only days before the play-off, despite earlier call-ups that raised serious eligibility questions.

While DR Congo are now gearing up for the intercontinental play-off clash against the winner of New Caledonia versus Jamaica on March 31, the Leopards have quietly dropped two of the disputed players — Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Mario Stroeykens — from their 26-man squad.