World football governing body, FIFA has sanctioned both Nigeria and DR Congo following disciplinary incidents during their 2026 World Cup qualifying playoff match.
The sanctions were issued after the heated encounter between the Nigeria national football team and the DR Congo national football team, which was played in Morocco in November 2025.
In that decisive playoff match, DR Congo defeated Nigeria 4–3 on penalties, ending the Super Eagles’ hopes of advancing further in the qualification race.Â
Following its disciplinary review, FIFA ruled that both football federations were responsible for different breaches of match regulations.
The Nigeria Football Federation was fined 1,000 Swiss francs after spectators were found guilty of throwing objects during the match — an offence related to maintaining order and security at games.Â
Meanwhile, the Fédération Congolaise de Football Association received a heavier fine of 5,000 Swiss francs after supporters were reported to have used laser pointers or similar electronic devices, which violates FIFA disciplinary rules.Â
The sanctions come amid an ongoing dispute between the two football bodies. After the playoff defeat, the NFF filed a formal complaint questioning the eligibility of several DR Congo players who featured in the match.Â
Nigeria argued that some of the players had only recently completed nationality switches before the crucial fixture, raising concerns about whether they were properly cleared to represent DR Congo.
While the disciplinary fines have now been confirmed, football authorities are still awaiting FIFA’s final decision on Nigeria’s protest regarding the alleged player eligibility issue
