By Juliet Ezeh
Four months after the tense African play-off between the Nigeria national football team and the DR Congo national football team, the FIFA has sanctioned both football federations over disciplinary incidents recorded during the match.
The game, played in Morocco on November 16, 2025, ended in heartbreak for Nigeria after DR Congo secured a 4–3 penalty shootout victory, progressing to the intercontinental play-offs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
FIFA Sanctions Both Federations
In its latest disciplinary summary covering the World Cup qualifying series, FIFA confirmed that both the Nigeria Football Federation and the DR Congo Football Federation committed separate breaches of the FIFA Disciplinary Code during the encounter.
Nigeria was penalised for crowd misconduct after spectators were reported to have thrown objects onto the pitch, a violation of Articles 17 and 17.2.b of the code governing order and security at matches. As a result, the NFF received a fine of 1,000 Swiss francs.
The Congolese federation, however, faced a more severe sanction after supporters were caught using laser pointers or similar electronic devices during the match. FIFA ruled that the act contravened Article 17.2.d of its disciplinary regulations and imposed a 5,000 Swiss francs fine on the DR Congo FA.
Following the defeat, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle also stirred controversy by alleging that DR Congo officials attempted to influence the match using voodoo practices, though no formal evidence was presented.
NFF Still Awaiting FIFA Ruling on Eligibility Protest
Beyond the disciplinary fines, attention remains focused on a separate complaint filed by the NFF concerning the eligibility of several players used by DR Congo during the decisive play-off.
The Nigerian federation submitted its protest to FIFA on December 15, 2025, claiming the Congolese FA misrepresented the nationality status of multiple foreign-born players to secure clearance shortly before the match.
Nigeria argued that some players received approval to represent DR Congo only days before the fixture, despite already being called up earlier for the crucial encounter.
Players listed in the petition include Lionel Mpasi, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku, Samuel Moutoussamy, Ngal’ayel Mukau, Noah Sadiki, Nathanaël Mbuku and Cédric Bakambu, among others who featured in the matchday squad.
The document, which was later made public by journalist Osasu Obayiuwana, urged FIFA to investigate the process and consider disqualifying DR Congo from the qualification pathway if any wrongdoing is established.
DR Congo Drop Two Disputed Players
Meanwhile, DR Congo are pressing ahead with preparations for the intercontinental play-offs.
They are scheduled to face the winner of the semi-final clash between New Caledonia and Jamaica on March 31 for a chance to secure a place at the World Cup.
In a development that has drawn attention, DR Congo have excluded two of the contested players — Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Mario Stroeykens — from their latest 26-man squad, further fuelling speculation surrounding Nigeria’s protest.
Pressure Builds Ahead of FIFA Decision
With the intercontinental play-offs approaching, football stakeholders in Nigeria are increasingly awaiting FIFA’s verdict on the NFF’s petition.
Should FIFA uphold Nigeria’s claims regarding player eligibility, the decision could potentially alter the outcome of the African play-off and reshape the qualification race for the 2026 World Cup.
Juliet Ezeh is the founder and chief reporter at Westbridge Reporters with over 7 years of experience in journalism. She covers crime, industry, policy, and social developments, delivering timely and accurate reporting.