FIFA Fines Nigeria, DR Congo Over World Cup Qualifier Incidents
World football governing body FIFA has sanctioned the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Congolese Association Football Federation over incidents that occurred during their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers clash.
According to the latest disciplinary report released by FIFA, both federations committed separate breaches during the match played on Nov. 16, 2025.
Nigeria was fined 1,000 Swiss Francs for lapses in match order and security after spectators threw objects during the encounter.
FIFA said the offence breached Articles 17 and 17.2.b of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which regulate stadium security and crowd behaviour.
DR Congo’s federation was fined 5,000 Swiss Francs after its supporters used laser pointers or similar electronic devices during the match.
The global football body ruled that the act violated Article 17.2.d of its Disciplinary Code, noting that sanctions are determined on a case-by-case basis and remain subject to appeal.
FIFA added that public disciplinary summaries are primarily issued for media reporting, while detailed rulings are communicated directly to the federations involved.
The match has remained under scrutiny after the Nigeria national football team lost to the DR Congo national football team on penalties in the final African qualifying round.
Following the defeat, the NFF submitted a petition to FIFA challenging the eligibility of several DR Congo players.
The complaint cited domestic laws in the Democratic Republic of the Congo which reportedly do not recognise dual citizenship for adults.
The NFF argued that some players held European passports while representing the Leopards in international competitions.
NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, raised concerns about possible misrepresentation to FIFA regarding the players’ eligibility.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, urged Nigerians to remain patient while FIFA reviews the petition.
Dikko cautioned against interpreting DR Congo’s appearance in the intercontinental play-off fixtures as a final decision on the matter.
“As far as we know, FIFA is yet to give its verdict,” he said, adding that authorities were closely monitoring developments.
He noted that DR Congo’s inclusion among the six nations competing for the final play-off spots does not necessarily mean Nigeria’s petition has been dismissed.
According to him, FIFA usually communicates sensitive rulings directly to affected parties before making them public.
Dikko expressed optimism that Nigeria could still win the eligibility case and secure a place in the play-offs, urging Nigerians to remain calm and await the final verdict.
Nigeria’s petition, submitted on Dec. 15, 2025, listed several overseas-born players who featured for DR Congo.
They include Lionel Mpasi, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku, Samuel Moutoussamy, Ngal’ayel Mukau, Noah Sadiki, Nathanaël Mbuku and Cédric Bakambu.
The NFF claimed that some of the players were cleared to represent DR Congo only days before the decisive play-off match.
However, DR Congo has excluded Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Mario Stroeykens from its 26-man squad for the intercontinental play-offs.
The Leopards are scheduled to face the winner of the semi-final between New Caledonia national football team and Jamaica national football team on March 31.
Nigeria’s petition remains pending, keeping the qualifying controversy alive ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
