World football governing body, FIFA, has sanctioned both the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the DR Congo Football Federation following disciplinary incidents that occurred during their controversial 2026 FIFA World Cup African play-off final.

The sanctions were announced four months after the tense encounter between the Nigeria national football team and the DR Congo national football team.

In the match played on November 16, 2025 in Morocco, DR Congo defeated Nigeria 4–3 on penalties to secure a place in the intercontinental play-offs.

According to FIFA’s latest disciplinary overview for the World Cup qualifiers, both football federations were found guilty of separate violations during the match.

FIFA stated that the NFF breached match order and security regulations after spectators were reported to have thrown objects during the game.

The offence falls under Article 17 and Article 17.2.b of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.

As a result, the Nigerian football body was fined 1,000 Swiss francs.

The Congolese federation, however, received a heavier sanction after supporters were found to have used laser pointers or similar electronic devices during the match.

The act contravened Article 17.2.d of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, prompting FIFA to impose a fine of 5,000 Swiss francs on the federation.

Meanwhile, the fallout from the match continues to generate controversy within the football community.

Head coach of the Super Eagles, Eric Chelle, had earlier accused DR Congo officials of allegedly using voodoo following Nigeria’s defeat in the encounter.

The disciplinary action has also renewed attention on the pending protest lodged by the NFF against DR Congo over the alleged use of ineligible players during the African play-off.

Nigeria submitted the petition to FIFA on December 15, 2025, requesting an investigation into the eligibility of several players who featured for DR Congo in the decisive match.

The NFF argued that the Congolese federation misled FIFA in securing nationality switches for a number of overseas-born players who represented the team.

Among those listed in the Nigerian complaint were Lionel Mpasi, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku, Samuel Moutoussamy, Ngal’ayel Mukau, Noah Sadiki, Nathanaël Mbuku and Cédric Bakambu.

Other players mentioned in the petition include Timothy Fayulu, Matthieu Epolo, Joris Kayembe, Edo Kayembe, Steve Kapuadi, Gédéon Kalulu, Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Mario Stroeykens.

The complaint, which was made public by journalist Osasu Obayiuwana, alleged that some of the players were cleared to represent DR Congo only days before the crucial play-off match despite being called up earlier.

While the eligibility dispute remains under review, DR Congo are already preparing for the intercontinental play-offs.

The team is scheduled to face the winner of the semi-final between New Caledonia national football team and the Jamaica national football team on March 31 for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

However, the Congolese squad has reportedly dropped two of the disputed players — Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Mario Stroeykens — from its 26-man list for the upcoming fixtures.