FIFA sanctions Nigeria, DR Congo over 2026 World Cup play-off infractions

The world football governing body, FIFA, has handed sanctions to both the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Congolese Football Association over incidents during their 2026 World Cup qualifying clash.

According to FIFA’s latest disciplinary report, separate breaches were identified in the match played on 16 November 2025.

Nigeria was fined 1,000 Swiss Francs for lapses in match order and security, specifically for spectators throwing objects during the game. This violation falls under Articles 17 and 17.2.b of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.

The Congolese federation faced a steeper penalty of 5,000 Swiss Francs after fans were found using laser pointers or similar electronic devices, a breach of Article 17.2.d. FIFA noted that these sanctions are assessed on a case-by-case basis and remain subject to appeal.

The organization also clarified that public summaries of disciplinary actions are meant primarily for media reporting, with official decisions communicated directly to the involved federations.

The match has remained under scrutiny, particularly after Nigeria’s World Cup hopes were ended by a penalty shootout loss to DR Congo in the final African qualifying round. In response, the NFF formally petitioned FIFA, questioning the eligibility of several DR Congo players.

Nigeria’s complaint hinges on domestic laws in DR Congo that reportedly do not recognize dual citizenship for adults, raising concerns over players holding European passports while representing the Leopards.

NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi stressed the federation’s worries over potential misrepresentation to FIFA.

Meanwhile, Shehu Dikko, Chairman of Nigeria’s National Sports Commission, urged patience, cautioning against reading the appearance of DR Congo in the intercontinental play-off fixtures as a verdict against Nigeria.

“As far as we know, FIFA is yet to give its verdict,” Mr Dikko said, according to ThisDay Newspaper.

“We are monitoring the situation closely.

“The fact that DR Congo appears among the six nations to compete for the final two spots in the playoff is not enough to jump to the conclusion that FIFA has thrown out Nigeria’s petition. Some nations are also preparing for friendly matches. Things will change as soon as the FIFA verdict comes out.”

He added that FIFA typically communicates directly with all parties before issuing sensitive rulings and expressed optimism that Nigeria could still succeed in its eligibility case, potentially securing a World Cup berth.

“The FIFA we all know has a channel to pass such sensitive information across to the parties involved. The name of DR Congo appears on the fixtures for now because the matter brought before FIFA has not been decided.

“We are very hopeful that Nigeria will win the eligibility case, and the Super Eagles will proceed to play in the playoff, and possibly make the World Cup party. I want all Nigerians to remain calm and wait for the final verdict.”

Meanwhile, DR Congo is currently preparing for the intercontinental play-offs, where they are set to face the winner of the New Caledonia vs. Jamaica semi-final on 31 March, they have excluded two of the disputed players—Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Mario Stroeykens—from their 26-man squad, while Nigeria await for the response from FIFA over their protest lodged against DR Congo for using unqualified players during the final.