Four months after the disputed 2026 FIFA World Cup African play-off final between Nigeria national football team and DR Congo national football team, FIFA has sanctioned the Nigeria Football Federation and the DR Congo Football Federation following disciplinary incidents that occurred during the match, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
DR Congo beat Nigeria 4–3 on penalties in Morocco to advance to the intercontinental play-offs.
According to 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.
FIFA stated that Nigeria was penalised for a breach relating 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, and the NFF was consequently fined 1,000 Swiss francs.
On their part, the DR Congo federation received a heavier sanction after supporters were found to have used laser pointers or similar electronic devices during the match. The act contravenes Article 17.2.d of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, leading FIFA to impose a 5,000 Swiss francs fine on the Congolese body.
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle also accused DR Congo officials of using voodoo in the wake of the defeat.
Meanwhile, the sanctions further heighten expectations about the anticipated verdict of the world’s football governing body over the NFF’s protest against the alleged use of ineligible players by DR Congo during the African play-off, particularly in the final.
Share this content:
