FIFA has imposed sanctions on the Nigeria Football Federation and the Congolese Football Association over disciplinary incidents recorded during a 2026 World Cup qualifying match between both countries.
According to FIFA’s disciplinary summary covering qualifying fixtures, the two federations were sanctioned for separate offences during the match played on 16 November 2025.
Nigeria was penalised for a breach linked to crowd behaviour, specifically the throwing of objects by spectators during the encounter.
FIFA said the offence fell under Article 17 and Article 17.2.b of the disciplinary code, leading to a fine of 1,000 Swiss francs for the Nigerian federation.
The Congolese federation received a heavier penalty after supporters were found to have used laser pointers or similar electronic devices during the same fixture.
That violation, under Article 17.2.d of the code, attracted a fine of 5,000 Swiss francs for the Congolese body ⚽
FIFA noted that sanctions are determined according to the circumstances of each case and may still be challenged through the appeal process.
The organisation added that while summaries are released publicly for media information, full legal decisions are communicated directly to the affected federations.
The fixture has remained under scrutiny following the end of Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes after the Super Eagles lost to DR Congo national football team on penalties in the final phase of the African qualifying play-offs.
Following that result, the Nigerian federation submitted a petition to FIFA questioning the eligibility of certain Congolese players.
The complaint centres on claims that DR Congo does not recognise dual citizenship for adults, raising concerns over players believed to hold European passports while representing the national side.
NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi said the federation’s concern was whether FIFA had been misled during player clearance procedures.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, urged caution, saying recent developments should not be interpreted as a final ruling.
According to him, FIFA has yet to deliver its final verdict on Nigeria’s complaint, despite DR Congo being listed among teams preparing for the intercontinental play-off stage
He said all parties would be formally informed once a decision is reached, adding that Nigeria remains hopeful of a favourable outcome.
