Omotayo Fashola
FIFA has imposed disciplinary measures on both the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the DR Congo Football Federation following misconduct incidents during their high-stakes 2026 FIFA World Cup African play-off final.
The match, held in Morocco on November 16, 2025, saw DR Congo triumph over Nigeria in a tense penalty shootout, ending 4–3 and securing their spot in the intercontinental play-offs.
FIFA’s latest disciplinary report revealed that both federations were penalized for separate violations. Nigeria faced sanctions due to spectator misconduct, including the throwing of objects onto the pitch, breaching Articles 17 and 17.2.b of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. The NFF was fined 1,000 Swiss francs as a result.
Meanwhile, DR Congo received a steeper penalty—5,000 Swiss francs—after fans were caught directing laser pointers at players, violating Article 17.2.d of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
Adding to the controversy, Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chelle, accused DR Congo officials of employing voodoo rituals during the match, further fueling tensions between the two nations.
The sanctions arrive as Nigeria awaits FIFA’s ruling on its formal protest regarding DR Congo’s alleged use of ineligible players. The NFF contends that several foreign-born players were improperly cleared to represent DR Congo just days before the decisive fixture.
Filed on December 15, 2025, Nigeria’s complaint urges FIFA to investigate potential nationality-switch irregularities and disqualify DR Congo from the qualification process. The petition highlights multiple players, including Lionel Mpasi, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Cédric Bakambu, who featured in the match despite recent eligibility approvals.
Journalist Osasu Obayiuwana publicly shared details of Nigeria’s grievance, emphasizing concerns over the timing of FIFA’s clearance for these players, some of whom were already included in DR Congo’s squad before official approval.
