Four months after the contentious 2026 FIFA World Cup African play-off final, FIFA has issued sanctions against both the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the DR Congo Football Federation due to disciplinary breaches during the match.
DR Congo had originally secured a 4–3 penalty shootout victory in Morocco to move into the intercontinental play-offs.
According to FIFA’s latest disciplinary overview, Nigeria was penalized for security failures, specifically regarding “the throwing of objects by spectators,” resulting in a fine of 1,000 Swiss francs.
The DR Congo federation faced a steeper fine of 5,000 Swiss francs after fans were found to have used “laser pointers or similar electronic devices” during the game.
Adding to the tension, Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle previously accused Congolese officials of using voodoo following Nigeria’s defeat.
These fines come as the football world awaits a verdict on the NFF’s formal protest regarding the alleged use of ineligible players.
Nigeria’s petition, filed on December 15, 2025, claims that DR Congo misled FIFA to secure nationality switches for several overseas-born players just days before the match.
The complaint—released publicly by journalist Osasu Obayiuwana—lists numerous players, including starters Lionel Mpasi, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku, Samuel Moutoussamy, Ngal’ayel Mukau, Noah Sadiki, Nathanaël Mbuku, and Cédric Bakambu, as well as substitutes Timothy Fayulu, Matthieu Epolo, Joris Kayembe, Edo Kayembe, Steve Kapuadi, Gédéon Kalulu, Michel-Ange Balikwisha, and Mario Stroeykens.
As DR Congo prepares for their March 31 play-off against either New Caledonia or Jamaica, they have notably omitted two of the disputed players, Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Mario Stroeykens, from their latest 26-man squad.
