World football governing body FIFA has sanctioned the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Congolese Association Football Federation over disciplinary violations recorded during a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification match between the two countries.
The sanctions were detailed in FIFA’s latest disciplinary summary covering incidents that occurred during the November 16, 2025 encounter between the Nigeria national football team and the DR Congo national football team.
According to FIFA, Nigeria was penalised after spectators were found guilty of throwing objects onto the pitch during the game, an act considered a breach of match order and security regulations.
The violation falls under Article 17 and Article 17.2.b of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, for which the NFF was fined 1,000 Swiss francs.
DR Congo, however, received a steeper sanction after its supporters were reported to have used laser pointers or similar electronic devices during the match. FIFA ruled that the act contravened Article 17.2.d of the disciplinary code and imposed a 5,000 Swiss francs fine on the Congolese football authority.
FIFA explained that disciplinary rulings are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and remain open to appeal. The organisation added that while summaries of sanctions are made public to keep the media informed, the full legal decisions are communicated directly to the affected football federations.
The fixture between the two nations has continued to generate debate following the dramatic end to Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes.
Nigeria’s campaign suffered a setback when the Super Eagles were defeated by DR Congo on penalties in the final round of the African qualifying play-offs last November.
Following the loss, the NFF lodged a formal complaint with FIFA questioning the eligibility of some players in the DR Congo squad.
The federation argues that DR Congo’s domestic law does not recognise dual citizenship for adults, raising questions about players believed to hold European passports while representing the Congolese national team.
NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi previously stated that while FIFA rules generally recognise players who possess valid passports of their countries, the Nigerian federation fears the global body may have been misled during the eligibility verification process.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, has cautioned against interpreting recent developments as a final decision on Nigeria’s petition.
Dikko noted that the inclusion of DR Congo among teams preparing for the intercontinental play-off tournament does not necessarily mean FIFA has concluded its review of Nigeria’s protest.
He expressed optimism that Nigeria’s case could still be upheld, urging Nigerians to remain patient while awaiting FIFA’s final verdict as the race for the remaining places at the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues.