Four months after the controversial 2026 FIFA World Cup African play-off final between the Nigeria national team and DR Congo, the world football governing body has sanctioned both football federations for disciplinary violations recorded during the encounter.
DR Congo defeated Nigeria 4–3 on penalties in Morocco 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 infractions during the match played on November 16, 2025.
FIFA ruled that the NFF breached regulations on order and security at matches after spectators were reported to have thrown objects during the game.
The offence, which contravenes Article 17 and Article 17.2(b) of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, attracted a fine of 1,000 Swiss francs.
The Congolese Football Federation, however, received a heavier sanction after supporters were found to have used laser pointers or similar electronic devices during the match, a violation of Article 17.2(d) of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. FIFA consequently fined the federation 5,000 Swiss francs.
The aftermath of the match was further clouded by allegations from Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, who accused DR Congo officials of engaging in voodoo practices following Nigeria’s defeat.
The sanctions have also renewed attention on FIFA’s pending decision regarding the NFF’s protest over the alleged use of ineligible players by DR Congo during the African play-off, particularly in the final match.
Nigeria lodged a formal complaint on December 15, 2025, shortly after the defeat, accusing the Congolese federation of misleading FIFA in securing nationality switches for several foreign-born players who featured in the match.
In its petition, the NFF requested that FIFA investigate the matter and consider disqualifying DR Congo from the qualification process if the allegations are proven.
The document listed several overseas-born players who played against the Super Eagles, 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, as well as substitutes Timothy Fayulu, Matthieu Epolo, Joris Kayembe, Edo Kayembe, Steve Kapuadi, Gédéon Kalulu, Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Mario Stroeykens.
According to the complaint, some of the players reportedly received clearance to represent DR Congo only days before the decisive play-off match despite having been called up earlier for the fixture.
Meanwhile, DR Congo, who are preparing for the intercontinental World Cup play-offs, are scheduled to face the winner of the semi-final between New Caledonia and Jamaica on March 31 for a place at the 2026 World Cup.
However, the Congolese side has dropped two of the disputed players — Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Mario Stroeykens — from its 26-man squad for the upcoming fixture.
