Sports
FIFA sanctions Nigeria, DR Congo over World Cup Play-off incidents
Four months after the controversial 2026 FIFA World Cup African play-off final between Nigeria and DR Congo, FIFA has sanctioned both football federations over disciplinary incidents that occurred during the match.
DR Congo defeated Nigeria 4–3 on penalties in Morocco on November 16, 2025, to advance to the intercontinental play-offs.
According to FIFA’s latest disciplinary overview for the World Cup qualifiers, both the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Congolese Football Federation were found guilty of separate violations during the encounter.
FIFA stated that Nigeria was penalised for a breach related to order and security at matches after spectators were found to have thrown objects during the game.
The offence falls under Article 17 and Article 17.2.b of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, leading to a fine of 1,000 Swiss francs imposed on the NFF.
On the other hand, the DR Congo Football Federation received a heavier sanction after supporters were found to have used laser pointers or similar electronic devices during the match.
The act violated Article 17.2.d of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, prompting FIFA to fine the Congolese body 5,000 Swiss francs.
The development comes amid lingering controversy surrounding the match, with Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle previously accusing DR Congo officials of engaging in voodoo practices following Nigeria’s defeat.
Meanwhile, attention has shifted to FIFA’s anticipated verdict on the protest filed by the NFF over the alleged use of ineligible players by DR Congo during the play-off.
Nigeria submitted a formal complaint on December 15, 2025, urging FIFA to investigate claims that the Congolese federation misled the governing body in securing nationality switches for several overseas-born players.
The petition listed a number of players who featured in the match, including 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 included Timothy Fayulu, Matthieu Epolo, Joris Kayembe, Edo Kayembe, Steve Kapuadi, Gédéon Kalulu, Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Mario Stroeykens.
According to the NFF, several of the players allegedly obtained eligibility clearance to represent DR Congo only days before the decisive play-off match despite being called up earlier for the fixture.
While DR Congo continue preparations for the intercontinental World Cup play-offs, where they are scheduled to face the winner of the semi-final between New Caledonia and Jamaica on March 31, the team has dropped two of the disputed players — Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Mario Stroeykens — from their 26-man squad.
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