Marrakesh: Four months after the contentious 2026 FIFA World Cup African play-off final between the Nigeria national football team and the DR Congo national football team, FIFA has sanctioned both the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the DR Congo Football Federation for disciplinary infractions during the match, as reported by PUNCH Sports Extra.
According to Ghana Web, FIFA's latest disciplinary overview released for the World Cup qualifiers, both the NFF and the Congolese FA were found guilty of separate infractions during the match played on November 16, 2025. Nigeria was penalized for a breach related to order and security at matches, specifically involving the throwing of objects by spectators under Article 17 and Article 17.2.b of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, resulting in a fine of 1,000 Swiss francs.
In contrast, the DR Congo federation faced a more substantial sanction after supporters were found to have used laser pointers or similar electronic devices during the match. This act violated Article 17.2.d of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, leading to a 5,000 Swiss franc fine imposed on the Congolese body.
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle also accused DR Congo officials of using voodoo following the defeat. The sanctions have further intensified expectations about the anticipated verdict from the world's football governing body regarding the NFF's protest against the alleged use of ineligible players by DR Congo during the African play-off.
Nigeria lodged a complaint after the loss, arguing that the Congolese federation misled FIFA in securing nationality switches for several overseas-born players. The petition, submitted on December 15, 2025, asked FIFA to investigate the matter and potentially disqualify DR Congo from the qualification process.
The Nigerian federation's document listed numerous foreign-born players who participated against the Super Eagles, including Lionel Mpasi, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku, Samuel Moutoussamy, Ngal'ayel Mukau, Noah Sadiki, Nathana«l Mbuku, and C©dric Bakambu in the starting line-up, along with substitutes such as Timothy Fayulu, Matthieu Epolo, Joris Kayembe, Edo Kayembe, Steve Kapuadi, G©d©on Kalulu, Michel-Ange Balikwisha, and Mario Stroeykens.
In the complaint, released publicly by journalist Osasu Obayiuwana, Nigeria argued that several players obtained clearance to represent DR Congo only days before the decisive match, despite having been called up earlier for the fixture.
While DR Congo is preparing for the World Cup play-offs, where they are set to face the winner of the semi-final between New Caledonia and Jamaica on March 31 for a place at the World Cup, they have also dropped two of the disputed players - Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Mario Stroeykens - from their 26-man squad.