Monday, March, 16 2026 - FIFA has sanctioned the Nigeria Football Federation and the
DR Congo Football Federation following disciplinary incidents that occurred
during their 2026 FIFA World Cup African play-off final.
DR Congo beat Nigeria 4–3 on penalties in Morocco to advance
to the intercontinental play-offs.
According to FIFA’s latest disciplinary overview released
for the World Cup qualifiers, both the NFF and the Congolese FA were found
guilty of separate infractions during the match played on November 16, 2025.
FIFA stated that Nigeria was penalised for a breach relating
to order and security at matches, specifically involving the throwing of
objects by spectators under Article 17 and Article 17.2.b of the FIFA
Disciplinary Code, and the NFF was consequently fined 1,000 Swiss francs.
On their part, the DR Congo federation received a heavier
sanction after supporters were found to have used laser pointers or similar
electronic devices during the match. The act contravenes Article 17.2.d of the
FIFA Disciplinary Code, leading FIFA to impose a 5,000 Swiss franc fine on the
Congolese body.
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle also accused DR Congo
officials of using voodoo in the wake of the defeat.
The sanctions come as Nigeria continues to await the
anticipated verdict of the world’s football governing body over the NFF’s
protest against the alleged use of ineligible players by DR Congo during the
African play-off, particularly in the final.
Nigeria lodged the complaint after losing the African
play-off, arguing that the Congolese federation misled FIFA in securing
nationality switches for several overseas-born players.
The petition, submitted on December 15, 2025, asked FIFA to
investigate the matter and potentially disqualify DR Congo from the
qualification process.
The Nigerian federation’s document listed numerous
foreign-born players who featured 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.
In the complaint, released publicly by journalist Osasu Obayiuwana, Nigeria argued that several players obtained clearance to represent DR Congo only days before the decisive play-off match, despite having been called up earlier for the fixture.
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