FIFA has imposed disciplinary fines on the Nigeria Football Federation and the DR Congo Football Association following incidents during the heated clash between the Nigeria national football team and the DR Congo national football team.
The sanctions stem from the tense encounter played on November 16, 2025, a match that ultimately ended Nigeria’s hopes of progressing in the qualification race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The fixture has remained controversial due to Nigeria’s ongoing protest over the eligibility of several Congolese players.
According to FIFA’s latest disciplinary overview covering World Cup qualifying matches, both football bodies were found guilty of separate breaches of the organisation’s disciplinary code during the playoff encounter.
The Nigerian federation was penalised after spectators were reported to have thrown objects onto the pitch during the match. The incident was deemed a violation of Articles 17 and 17.2.b of FIFA’s Disciplinary Code, which relates to maintaining order and security at football matches.
As a result, the NFF was fined 1,000 Swiss francs for failing to properly control crowd behaviour.
Meanwhile, the Congolese federation received a significantly heavier sanction after their supporters were found to have used laser pointers or similar electronic devices during the game.
The act violated Article 17.2.d of FIFA’s disciplinary regulations, leading to a 5,000 Swiss francs fine for the DR Congo Football Association.
FIFA noted that disciplinary sanctions are issued based on the circumstances surrounding each case and that the rulings may still be subject to appeal.
Nigeria still awaiting FIFA decision on eligibility protest
The disciplinary action comes as Nigeria continues to wait for FIFA’s verdict on the NFF’s protest regarding the alleged use of ineligible players by DR Congo.
Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying were dashed after the Leopards defeated the Super Eagles 4–3 on penalties in the African playoff final played in Morocco.
Shortly after the defeat, the NFF filed a formal petition questioning the eligibility of several players who represented DR Congo during the decisive encounter.
Players reportedly listed in Nigeria’s complaint include Lionel Mpasi, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku, Samuel Moutoussamy, Cédric Bakambu, Noah Sadiki and Nathanaël Mbuku.
The Nigerian federation reportedly questioned how some of the players received clearance to represent DR Congo shortly before the playoff despite previous international call-ups elsewhere.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission of Nigeria, Shehu Dikko, has urged Nigerians not to jump to conclusions despite DR Congo appearing among teams preparing for the next stage of the playoff.
“As far as we know, FIFA is yet to give its verdict,” Dikko said.
“The fact that DR Congo appears among the six nations scheduled for the playoff tournament does not mean FIFA has dismissed Nigeria’s petition.”
DR Congo are currently listed among the teams preparing for the intercontinental playoff, where they are expected to face the winner of the semifinal between the Jamaica national football team and the New Caledonia national football team for a place at the 2026 World Cup.
Nigeria, however, continues to await FIFA’s final decision on the eligibility dispute a ruling that could determine whether the Super Eagles still have a chance of returning to the qualification race.
