- The Fédération Internationale de Football Association has sanctioned Nigeria and DR Congo over disciplinary breaches during the 2026 World Cup African play-off final
- Nigeria was fined 1,000 Swiss francs for fans throwing objects during the match, while DR Congo was fined 5,000 Swiss francs after supporters used laser pointers
- The Super Eagles coach, Eric Chelle, accused DR Congo officials of using voodoo after the defeat
- Meanwhile, FIFA is yet to rule on Nigeria’s petition seeking possible disqualification
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has sanctioned the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the DR Congo Football Federation following disciplinary breaches that occurred during the controversial African play-off final for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The sanctions were announced four months after the tense encounter between the Nigeria national football team and the DR Congo national football team, a match DR Congo won 4–3 on penalties in Morocco to progress to the intercontinental play-offs.
According to FIFA’s latest disciplinary overview for the qualifiers, both football bodies committed separate infractions during the match played on November 16, 2025.
FIFA ruled that Nigeria breached regulations concerning order and security at matches. The offence involved the throwing of objects by spectators, a violation under Article 17 and Article 17.2.b of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. As a result, the NFF was fined 1,000 Swiss francs.
The Congolese federation, however, received a heavier penalty.
Their supporters were found to have used laser pointers or similar electronic devices during the game, an act that violates Article 17.2.d of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. The offence earned the DR Congo federation a fine of 5,000 Swiss francs.
The fallout from the match did not end there.
Following the defeat, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle accused DR Congo officials of using voodoo during the encounter.
Meanwhile, attention has shifted to the pending decision from FIFA regarding the NFF’s protest over the alleged use of ineligible players by DR Congo during the African play-off, particularly the decisive final.
Nigeria formally lodged its complaint on December 15, 2025, after losing the match.
The federation argued that the Congolese football authorities misled FIFA while processing nationality switches for several foreign-born players.
The petition requested that FIFA investigate the issue and consider disqualifying DR Congo from the qualification process if the allegations are proven.
The Nigerian federation’s document listed several overseas-born players who featured against the Super Eagles. These included Lionel Mpasi, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku, Samuel Moutoussamy, Ngal’ayel Mukau, Noah Sadiki, Nathanaël Mbuku and Cédric Bakambu in the starting line-up.
Substitutes named in the complaint were Timothy Fayulu, Matthieu Epolo, Joris Kayembe, Edo Kayembe, Steve Kapuadi, Gédéon Kalulu, Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Mario Stroeykens.
Nigeria’s petition, which was made public by journalist Osasu Obayiuwana, claimed that some of the players only obtained clearance to represent DR Congo days before the crucial play-off match despite being called up earlier for the fixture.
While DR Congo prepare for the next stage of qualification, where they will face the winner of the semi-final between New Caledonia and Jamaica on March 31 for a place at the World Cup, two of the disputed players, Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Mario Stroeykens, have been omitted from the country’s latest 26-man squad.
FIFA is yet to deliver a final verdict on Nigeria’s protest.