The sanctions were announced four months after the tense clash held in Morocco on November 16, 2025, where DR Congo edged Nigeria 4–3 in a penalty shootout to secure a place in the intercontinental play-offs.
The world football governing body, FIFA, has sanctioned the Nigeria Football Federation and the DR Congo Football Federation following disciplinary violations during the heated 2026 World Cup African play-off final between the national teams of Nigeria and DR Congo.
The penalties come four months after the controversial encounter held in Morocco on November 16, 2025, where the DR Congo national football team defeated the Nigeria national football team 4–3 on penalties to advance to the intercontinental play-offs.
According to FIFA’s latest disciplinary report on the World Cup qualifiers, both football bodies were found guilty of separate infractions during the match.
FIFA revealed that Nigeria violated match order and security regulations after fans threw objects onto the pitch during the game. The incident breached Articles 17 and 17.2.b of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. As a result, the Nigerian football authority was fined 1,000 Swiss francs.
The Congolese federation received a heavier punishment after its supporters were caught using laser pointers or similar electronic devices during the match, an offence under Article 17.2.d of the disciplinary code. Consequently, FIFA imposed a 5,000 Swiss francs fine on the DR Congo football body.
The sanctions come amid ongoing controversy surrounding the match. Nigeria has continued to question the eligibility of some players who represented DR Congo during the encounter.
Following the defeat, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle accused Congolese officials of resorting to “voodoo” tactics during the match.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation has formally petitioned FIFA to investigate what it describes as the alleged use of ineligible players by DR Congo in the African play-off, particularly in the final.
The complaint, reportedly submitted on December 15, 2025, claims that Congolese football authorities may have misled FIFA while securing nationality switches for several overseas-born players shortly before the decisive fixture.
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