FIFA fines Nigeria, DR Congo over 2026 World Cup qualifier misconduct

World football governing body FIFA has sanctioned both the Nigeria Football Federation and the DR Congo Football Federation for offenses committed during their 2026 World Cup African play-off encounter.

The disciplinary action comes approximately four months after the tense clash between the Super Eagles and DR Congo, which took place in Morocco on November 16, 2025. Following a drawn regulation time, DR Congo defeated Nigeria 4–3 in a penalty shootout to progress to the intercontinental play-offs.

According to FIFA’s disciplinary report for the qualifiers, both federations were found guilty of separate infractions relating to supporter behavior during the match.

FIFA stated that the Nigerian federation failed to adequately control the crowd after spectators threw objects onto the pitch, violating Article 17 and Article 17.2.b of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. Consequently, the NFF was fined 1,000 Swiss francs.

The Congolese federation received a heavier penalty, with FIFA explaining that some DR Congo supporters utilized laser pointers or similar electronic devices during the game, breaching Article 17.2.d of the disciplinary code. This resulted in a 5,000 Swiss franc fine.

The match has continued generating discussion since DR Congo eliminated Nigeria from qualification contention. Following the game, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle sparked controversy by accusing DR Congo officials of employing voodoo during the play-off clash.

The sanctions coincide with heightened attention on a formal protest submitted by the Nigeria Football Federation.

The NFF petitioned FIFA on December 15, 2025, requesting investigation into alleged use of ineligible players by DR Congo during the qualifiers.

The complaint specifically questions the nationality switches of several overseas-born players who featured in the match, including Lionel Mpasi, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku, and Cédric Bakambu.

Meanwhile, as DR Congo prepares for the intercontinental play-offs, the team has already omitted two disputed players—Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Mario Stroeykens—from its latest 26-man squad.

About The Author

Dele Fashomi

Dele Fashomi, seasoned journalist and communication teacher, is a holder of Master of Arts degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1992/93.

Earlier, he had bagged a Bachelor degree from the same university in 1984, after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in 1990, for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.

He had done many courses in communication, including the EU-BBC Editing Course in 2002.

Mr. Fashomi combines effectively the practice, research and teaching of communication. And to date, he has published two academic works in communication: Issues in Communication Technology and Policy (2010) and Economic and Social Issues in Advertising and PR (2013).

He had his first break in the Nigerian media in Concord Newspapers in 1990 and today, he has over two and half decades experience earned in several newspapers.

He has been part of many start-ups, such as The Republic (1987), The Comet (1999), The Anchor 2001 – 2002; Sun Newspapers (2003); Westerner newsmagazine (2005 – 2010) as Editor; National Life (2011) as Sunday Editor, and Newswatch Newspapers (2012- 2016) as Daily Editor.

Dele Fashomi is now the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Newstide247.com newspaper online, which he started in July 2015. He is also into biography writing, with many books in his trail, some of which he wrote alone and one he co- authored with his mentor, Mr Dare Babarinsa, entitled:  Olabiyi Durojaiye – DARE TO BE DiFFERENT. He also guided and collaborated with Pa Olatunji Odusanya in writing his autobiography – AGAINST ALL ODDS. There are many other books in the works under his pen.

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