World football governing body, FIFA, has imposed fines on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the DR Congo Football Federation following disciplinary breaches during the controversial 2026 World Cup African play-off between the Super Eagles and DR Congo national football team.
The sanctions come about four months after the heated encounter, which ended in a dramatic penalty shootout victory for DR Congo. The Congolese side defeated Nigeria 4–3 on penalties in Morocco on November 16, 2025, securing a place in the intercontinental play-offs.
According to FIFA’s latest disciplinary report on the World Cup qualifiers, both football federations were found guilty of separate violations during the match.
Nigeria was penalised over crowd misconduct after spectators were reported to have thrown objects during the game. The act was ruled to be a breach of match safety and security regulations under the FIFA Disciplinary Code, leading to a fine of 1,000 Swiss francs against the NFF.
DR Congo, however, received a heavier sanction. FIFA determined that supporters used laser pointers or similar electronic devices during the match, an offence that violates the governing body’s disciplinary rules. As a result, the Congolese federation was fined 5,000 Swiss francs.
The aftermath of the defeat also saw Eric Chelle, head coach of the Super Eagles, accuse Congolese officials of resorting to voodoo practices during the tense encounter.
Meanwhile, the disciplinary action has intensified attention on FIFA’s pending decision regarding a protest filed by the NFF over the alleged use of ineligible players by DR Congo during the play-off.
Nigeria formally submitted the complaint on December 15, 2025, requesting an investigation into the nationality switches of several overseas-born players who featured for the Congolese team. The federation argued that some of the players only received clearance to represent DR Congo shortly before the decisive match, despite having been called up earlier.
Among the players listed in Nigeria’s petition were Lionel Mpasi, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku, Samuel Moutoussamy, Noah Sadiki, Nathanaël Mbuku and Cédric Bakambu.
However, DR Congo have since omitted two of the players mentioned in the dispute Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Mario Stroeykens from their latest 26-man squad as preparations continue for the upcoming intercontinental play-off.
The Congolese team is scheduled to face the winner of the semi-final clash between New Caledonia national football team and Jamaica national football team on March 31, with a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at stake.
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