Abuja, March 16, 2026 – The world football governing body, FIFA, has sanctioned the Nigeria Football Federation and the Congolese Football Association following disciplinary breaches during their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier clash.
According to FIFA’s latest disciplinary report, both federations were found to have violated match regulations during the game played on Nov. 16, 2025, resulting in financial penalties.
Nigeria Fined for Crowd Misconduct
Nigeria was fined 1,000 Swiss Francs after spectators threw objects onto the pitch during the match, an incident that FIFA said constituted a breach of stadium security and crowd control regulations.
The offence violated Articles 17 and 17.2.b of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which address stadium safety, spectator conduct, and organisational responsibilities during international matches.
DR Congo Penalised Over Laser Pointers
The Congolese Football Association received a 5,000 Swiss Francs fine after supporters were reported to have used laser pointers or similar electronic devices during the match.
FIFA ruled that the act violated Article 17.2.d of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which prohibits behaviour capable of disrupting players or officials.
The football governing body stated that disciplinary sanctions are assessed on a case-by-case basis and remain subject to appeal. It also explained that public disciplinary summaries are mainly issued for media reporting, while full rulings are communicated directly to the federations involved.
Nigeria Challenges DR Congo Player Eligibility
The match has continued to attract attention after Nigeria lost to DR Congo on penalties in the final African qualifying round for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Following the defeat, the Nigeria Football Federation submitted a formal petition to FIFA questioning the eligibility of several DR Congo players.
The federation argued that some players representing DR Congo hold European passports, despite domestic laws in the country reportedly restricting dual citizenship for adults.
NFF Raises Concerns Over Possible Misrepresentation
NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, raised concerns that some players may have misrepresented their eligibility status to FIFA.
Nigeria’s petition, submitted on Dec. 15, 2025, listed several overseas-born players who featured for DR Congo, including:
- Lionel Mpasi
- Aaron Wan-Bissaka
- Axel Tuanzebe
- Arthur Masuaku
- Samuel Moutoussamy
- Ngal’ayel Mukau
- Noah Sadiki
- Nathanaël Mbuku
- Cédric Bakambu
The NFF claimed some of these players were cleared to represent DR Congo only days before the decisive play-off match.
Sports Commission Urges Patience
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, urged Nigerians to remain patient while FIFA reviews the petition.
Dikko warned against interpreting DR Congo’s presence in upcoming intercontinental play-off fixtures as proof that the case had been decided.
“As far as we know, FIFA is yet to give its verdict,” he said, adding that authorities were closely monitoring developments.
He explained that FIFA usually communicates sensitive decisions directly to the parties involved before making them public.
DR Congo’s Play-Off Plans Continue
Despite the ongoing dispute, DR Congo has named a 26-man squad for the upcoming intercontinental play-offs, though Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Mario Stroeykens were left out of the final list.
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.
With FIFA yet to deliver its final ruling, Nigeria’s petition continues to keep the African World Cup qualifying controversy alive ahead of the 2026 tournament.