World football governing body FIFA has imposed financial sanctions on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Congolese Football Association over disciplinary breaches recorded during their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying encounter.
According to a recent disciplinary report released by FIFA, the sanctions relate to incidents that occurred during the match played on Nov. 16, 2025.
FIFA stated that Nigeria was fined 1,000 Swiss francs after supporters threw objects onto the pitch during the game. The governing body said the act violated Articles 17 and 17.2.b of its disciplinary code, which address stadium security and crowd control.
Meanwhile, Democratic Republic of the Congo received a 5,000 Swiss francs fine after fans were found using laser pointers or similar devices during the match.
FIFA noted that the action contravened Article 17.2.d of its disciplinary regulations. The organisation added that disciplinary penalties are determined on a case-by-case basis and may be subject to appeal.
The match remains controversial following Nigeria’s penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo in the final round of African qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
After the loss, the NFF filed a formal complaint to FIFA, raising concerns about the eligibility of several DR Congo players who featured in the match.
The federation argued that some players representing the Congolese national team reportedly hold European passports despite domestic legal provisions that do not recognise dual citizenship for adults.
Speaking on the matter, NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi expressed concerns about potential misrepresentation during the registration process with FIFA.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, however urged Nigerians to remain patient while the global football body reviews the petition.
Dikko explained that DR Congo’s participation in the intercontinental play-off fixtures does not necessarily indicate that Nigeria’s complaint has been rejected.
According to him, FIFA often communicates sensitive disciplinary decisions directly to the affected parties before releasing them publicly.
He added that Nigeria still hopes for a favourable ruling that could potentially grant the country a place in the World Cup play-off stage.
Nigeria’s petition, submitted on Dec. 15, 2025, questioned the eligibility of several players who represented DR Congo, including Lionel Mpasi, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku, Samuel Moutoussamy, Ngal’ayel Mukau, Noah Sadiki, Nathanaël Mbuku and Cédric Bakambu.
Meanwhile, DR Congo has excluded Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Mario Stroeykens from its squad for the upcoming intercontinental play-offs.
The Congolese side is scheduled to face the winner of the semi-final clash between New Caledonia and Jamaica on March 31.
FIFA’s final decision on Nigeria’s petition is still pending, keeping the World Cup qualification dispute unresolved as the 2026 tournament approaches.
