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World football governing body FIFA has imposed fines on both Nigeria Football Federation and the Congolese Football Federation following disciplinary breaches during the tense 2026 FIFA World Cup African play-off final between the two nations.
The sanctions were confirmed in FIFA’s latest disciplinary report concerning the qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The decisive match, played on November 16, 2025 in Morocco, ended dramatically after DR Congo national football team defeated the Nigeria national football team 4–3 in a penalty shootout to secure a place in the intercontinental play-offs.
Nigeria Fined for Crowd Misconduct
According to FIFA’s disciplinary findings, the Nigeria Football Federation was punished for failing to maintain proper order and security during the match.
The offence was linked to spectators throwing objects during the game, which violated Article 17 and Article 17.2.b of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
As a result, FIFA issued a financial penalty of 1,000 Swiss francs to the NFF.
DR Congo Hit With Higher Penalty
Meanwhile, the Congolese Football Federation received a heavier sanction after supporters were found to have used laser pointers or similar electronic devices during the encounter.
FIFA ruled that the action breached Article 17.2.d of the disciplinary code and imposed a fine of 5,000 Swiss francs on the DR Congo federation.
The incident further intensified the controversy surrounding the play-off match, which had already generated widespread debate in Nigerian football circles.
Post-Match Controversy
Following the defeat, Eric Chelle, head coach of the Super Eagles, stirred further controversy by accusing DR Congo officials of using voodoo during the encounter.
His remarks sparked mixed reactions among fans and analysts, with some dismissing the claims while others pointed to the heated atmosphere surrounding the match.
Nigeria’s Protest Over Player Eligibility
The disciplinary sanctions also come amid an ongoing review by FIFA regarding a protest filed by the Nigeria Football Federation.
The NFF lodged an official complaint on December 15, 2025, alleging that the Congolese federation misled FIFA when processing nationality switches for several players shortly before the play-off match.
Nigeria argued that some players who represented DR Congo had only received clearance to switch nationality days before the game, despite having been called up earlier.
Among the players named in the complaint were Lionel Mpasi, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku, Samuel Moutoussamy, Ngal’ayel Mukau, Noah Sadiki, Nathanaël Mbuku and Cédric Bakambu, all of whom featured in the starting line-up against Nigeria.
Other players listed included substitutes Timothy Fayulu, Matthieu Epolo, Joris Kayembe, Edo Kayembe, Steve Kapuadi, Gédéon Kalulu, Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Mario Stroeykens.
The Nigerian federation believes the eligibility status of some of these players should be reviewed, claiming their nationality switches were finalised too close to the match.
Changes to DR Congo Squad
As DR Congo prepare for the next stage of the qualification process, two of the players mentioned in Nigeria’s complaint — Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Mario Stroeykens — have been omitted from the country’s latest 26-man squad.
The team is set to compete in the intercontinental play-offs, where they will face the winner of the semi-final clash between New Caledonia and Jamaica scheduled for March 31.
Awaiting FIFA’s Final Decision
While FIFA has already handed down disciplinary fines related to fan behaviour during the match, the global football body is still reviewing Nigeria’s protest over player eligibility.
The outcome of that investigation could have further implications for DR Congo’s progress in the World Cup qualification process.
For now, the sanctions highlight FIFA’s continued efforts to enforce discipline during international matches while also addressing disputes that arise in high-stakes qualification fixtures.
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