The world football governing body, FIFA, has fined Nigeria Football Federation and DR Congo Football Federation over incidents that occurred during the 2026 World Cup African play-off between the two countries.
Therefore,the punitive action comes about four months after the tense encounter between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and DR Congo. The match was played in Morocco on November 16, 2025. After regular time ended in a draw, DR Congo defeated Nigeria 4–3 in a penalty shootout to advance to the intercontinental play-offs.
FIFA’s disciplinary report for the qualifiers, both football federations were found culpable of different offences linked to the behaviour of supporters during the match.
Also,FIFA confirmed that Nigerian federation failed to properly control the crowd after some spectators threw objects onto the pitch. The offence falls under Article 17 and Article 17.2.b of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. Because of this, the Nigerian federation was fined 1,000 Swiss francs.
Meanwhile, the Congolese federation received a larger punishment. FIFA stated that some DR Congo supporters used laser pointers or similar electronic devices during the game. This action breaks Article 17.2.d of the disciplinary code. As a result, the federation was fined 5,000 Swiss francs.
The match has continued to attract discussion since DR Congo defeated Nigeria from the qualification race.
Moreso,after the game, Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chelle, caused more controversy when he accused DR Congo officials of using voodoo during the play-off clash.
The penalties were disclosed while attention is also focused on a protest submitted by the Nigeria Football Federation. The NFF asked FIFA to probe the alleged use of ineligible players by DR Congo during the qualifiers.
NFF officially filed the petition on December 15, 2025. The federation requested an investigation into the nationality switches of several overseas-born players who appeared in the match.
Thereby players mentioned in the complaint include Lionel Mpasi, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku and Cédric Bakambu.
DR Congo gets ready for the intercontinental play-offs, the team has already removed two of the disputed players — Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Mario Stroeykens — from its latest 26-man squad.
