FIFA has imposed disciplinary sanctions on both the Nigeria Football Federation and the Congolese Association Football Federation following incidents during their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification clash on 16 November 2025.
According to FIFA’s latest disciplinary report, Nigeria was fined 1,000 Swiss Francs for breaches relating to match order and security after spectators threw objects during the game. The offence falls under Articles 17 and 17.2.b of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
DR Congo received a heavier penalty of 5,000 Swiss Francs after fans were found using laser pointers or similar electronic devices during the match, violating Article 17.2.d of the disciplinary regulations.
FIFA noted that such sanctions are assessed on a case by case basis and remain open to appeal.
The organisation also clarified that public disciplinary summaries are mainly intended for media reporting, while official decisions are communicated directly to the federations involved.
The encounter between the Nigeria national football team and the DR Congo national football team has remained under scrutiny since Nigeria’s World Cup hopes were dashed following a penalty shootout defeat in the final African qualifying round.
In response, the NFF submitted a formal petition to FIFA questioning the eligibility of several DR Congo players.
Nigeria’s complaint centres on the claim that DR Congo’s domestic laws reportedly do not recognise dual citizenship for adults, raising concerns over players who hold European passports while representing the Leopards.
NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi emphasised the federation’s concerns over possible misrepresentation during the eligibility process.
Meanwhile, Chairman of Nigeria’s National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, has urged calm as the situation continues to unfold.
Dikko cautioned against interpreting DR Congo’s inclusion in the intercontinental playoff fixtures as a final decision from FIFA, noting that the governing body typically communicates sensitive rulings directly to all parties before making them public.
Nigeria’s petition, filed on 15 December 2025, listed several overseas based players who featured for DR Congo, including Lionel Mpasi, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku, Samuel Moutoussamy, Noah Sadiki, Nathanael Mbuku and Cedric Bakambu.
While DR Congo continue preparations for the intercontinental playoffs, where they are scheduled to face the winner of the semi final between New Caledonia national football team and Jamaica national football team on 31 March, two of the disputed players — Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Mario Stroeykens — have been omitted from their latest 26 man squad.
The outcome of Nigeria’s petition remains pending, keeping the controversy surrounding the qualification race alive as the battle for places at the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues.
