World football governing body, FIFA, has sanctioned the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the DR Congo Football Federation following disciplinary issues that occurred during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying play-off on 16 March, 2025.
In the final of the African World Cup qualifying play-0ff in Morocco, the Congolese defeated the Super Eagles 4-3 after regulation and extra-time finished 1-1.
In its latest disciplinary overview released yesterday (Sunday) for the World Cup qualifiers, FIFA stated that both Nigeria and DR Congo were found guilty of separate infractions during the play-off clash.
According to FIFA, Nigeria was penalised for a breach relating to order and security at matches, specifically involving the throwing of objects by spectators under Article 17 and Article 17.2.b of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, and got a fine of 1,000 Swiss francs.
For the DR Congo, they got a heavier sanction after supporters were found to have used laser pointers or similar electronic devices during the match. The act contravenes Article 17.2.d of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, and they got 5,000 Swiss francs.
Also Read: Super Eagles Friendlies Against Iran, Jordan Moved To Turkey
Meanwhile, the sanctions further heighten expectations about the expected verdict of FIFA over the NFF’s protest against the alleged use of ineligible players by DR Congo during the African play-off final.
Nigeria lodged the complaint after losing the African play-off, arguing that the DR Congo misled FIFA in securing nationality switches for several overseas-born players.
The petition, submitted on December 15, 2025, asked FIFA to probe the matter and potentially disqualify DR Congo from the play-off.
The document from the NFF listed numerous foreign-born players who featured against the Super Eagles, which include Lionel Mpasi, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku, Samuel Moutoussamy, Ngal’ayel Mukau, Noah Sadiki, Nathanaël Mbuku and Cédric Bakambu in the starting line-up, and substitutes Timothy Fayulu, Matthieu Epolo, Joris Kayembe, Edo Kayembe, Steve Kapuadi, Gédéon Kalulu, Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Mario Stroeykens.
In the complaint, recently released by journalist Osasu Obayiuwana, Nigeria argued that several players obtained clearance to feature for DR Congo just days before the decisive play-off match, despite having been invited earlier for the fixture.
While DR Congo are getting set to participate at the World Cup play-offs, where they are to face the winner of the semi-final between New Caledonia and Jamaica on March 31 for a place at the World Cup, they have also dropped two of the disputed players — Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Mario Stroeykens — from their 26-man squad.
DR Congo will be hoping to make their first World Cup appearance since their debut at the 1974 edition in the former West Germany.
For the Super Eagles, they also failed to qualify for the Qatar 2022 tournament, after losing to Ghana’s Black Stars in the play-off.
By James Agberebi
5 Comments
Think of this as the appetizer. The main course is still to come.
The ineligibility case is serious because it is bigger than just one player. It involves several players, along with allegations connected to nationality law and official documents. Issues like this take time because FIFA has to check the facts carefully for each player. FIFA will want to make sure it gets the decision right, since the outcome could have a major impact on World Cup qualification and match results.
Wait for it.
Lol…we’ll be waiting Dr Congo will be playing at the WC. In my opinion, I think NFF is just trying to save face. They messed up our qualification twice now and bringing this as a distraction. Did Dr Congo breach the rule? Possibly. But it’s also as easy as the government providing a backdated exemption letter. Any government can maneuver this case.
It’s really taking long. But let’s not forget we also almost gave up on the South Africa Mokoena yellow card situation. FIFA sat on the matter for close to 3 months and only gave a verdict a day or 2 before the next match.
I know FIFA will certainly deliver a verdict on the matter, but the timing is what could complicate things. I’m expecting it to come like a week before the playoff on March 31. But still, there could be complications.
1. If the verdict favors us, we would have to hurriedly assemble a team that could make them rusty against the opponents.
2. Also, DRC will take the case to CAS, which NFF may also do if the verdict is unfavorable.
3. If the verdict arrives after the playoff, the DRC opponent may be granted an automatic ticket, regardless of the scoreline. DRC will head to CAS, the same as Nigeria.
4. I’m sure to avoid these complexities, I expect FIFA to deliver a verdict around the period of 23rd to 25th. The fact that they handed out some penalties regarding the match is an appetizer to the big one.
This is taking too long… The playoff is in a couple of week and yet no official response as to whether the verdict favor Dr Cong o or Nigeria.