FIFA Sanctions Nigeria, DR Congo Over Crowd Incidents In 2026 World Cup Play-Off

Four months after the heated 2026 FIFA World Cup African play-off final between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and DR Congo, the world football governing body has sanctioned both federations over disciplinary breaches recorded during the match.

Naija News reports that DR Congo defeated Nigeria 4-3 on penalties in Morocco on November 16, 2025 to progress to the intercontinental play-offs after a tense match that ended level in regulation time.

In its latest disciplinary overview for the World Cup qualifiers, FIFA said both the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the DR Congo Football Federation were found guilty of separate offences linked to supporter conduct during the fixture.

Nigeria was punished for failing to maintain order and security at the match after spectators were reported to have thrown objects onto the field. The offence falls under Article 17 and Article 17.2.b of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. As a result, the Nigerian federation was fined 1,000 Swiss francs.

The Congolese federation received a stiffer penalty. FIFA said supporters used laser pointers or similar electronic devices during the match, an act that breaches Article 17.2.d of the disciplinary code. The offence attracted a fine of 5,000 Swiss francs.

The controversial encounter has remained a talking point since DR Congo knocked the Super Eagles out of the qualifying race.

Nigeria’s coach, Eric Chelle, stirred further debate after the match when he accused DR Congo officials of using voodoo during the play-off clash.

The disciplinary sanctions come as attention shifts to FIFA’s expected ruling on a protest filed by the NFF over the alleged use of ineligible players by DR Congo during the qualifiers.

Nigeria submitted its petition on December 15, 2025, urging FIFA to investigate the nationality switches of several overseas-born players who featured in the match.

Among those listed were Lionel Mpasi, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku and Cédric Bakambu.

While DR Congo continue preparations for the intercontinental play-offs, Naija News reports that the team has already dropped two of the disputed players, Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Mario Stroeykens, from its latest 26-man squad.