By Obinna Uballa
Four months after the disputed 2026 FIFA World Cup African playoff final between the Nigeria national football team and the Democratic Republic of Congo national football team, the world football governing body has sanctioned both football federations over disciplinary incidents that occurred during the match.
DR Congo defeated Nigeria 4–3 on penalties in Morocco to advance to the intercontinental playoffs.
According to FIFA’s latest disciplinary overview for the World Cup qualifiers, both the Nigeria Football Federation and the DR Congo Football Federation were found guilty of separate infractions during the match played on November 16, 2025.
FIFA said Nigeria was penalised for breaching rules relating to order and security at matches after spectators were found guilty of throwing objects onto the pitch. The offence contravened Article 17 and Article 17.2.b of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, and the NFF was consequently fined 1,000 Swiss francs.
The Congolese federation received a heavier sanction after its supporters were found to have used laser pointers or similar electronic devices during the match. The act violated Article 17.2.d of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, prompting FIFA to impose a 5,000 Swiss francs fine on the federation.
Following the defeat, Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle also accused DR Congo officials of resorting to voodoo during the encounter.
Meanwhile, the sanctions have heightened expectations over FIFA’s anticipated verdict on the NFF’s protest against the alleged use of ineligible players by DR Congo during the African playoff, particularly in the final.
Nigeria submitted the complaint on December 15, 2025, urging FIFA to investigate the matter and potentially disqualify DR Congo from the qualification process.
The NFF’s petition listed several 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.
Others named in the document include substitutes Timothy Fayulu, Matthieu Epolo, Joris Kayembe, Edo Kayembe, Steve Kapuadi, Gédéon Kalulu, Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Mario Stroeykens.
In the complaint, which was made public by journalist Osasu Obayiuwana, Nigeria argued that some of the players obtained clearance to represent DR Congo only days before the decisive playoff match despite having been called up earlier.
While DR Congo continue preparations for the intercontinental playoffs – where they are scheduled to face the winner of the semi-final between New Caledonia and Jamaica on March 31 for a place at the World Cup – the team has dropped two of the disputed players, Balikwisha and Stroeykens, from its 26-man squad.
