Olushola Omogbehin
Following the 2026 World Cup African play-off final between Nigeria and DR Congo, FIFA has sanctioned the NFF and the Congolese FA.
In the FIFA’s latest disciplinary overview released for the World Cup qualifiers, the two nations were found guilty of infractions during the match which took place on November 16, 2025.
While Nigeria was punished for a breach of order and security resulting from throwing of objects by spectators under Article 17 and Article 17.2.b of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, DR Congo was penalised after supporters were found to have used laser pointers or similar electronic devices during the match which offends Article 17.2.d of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
FIFA imposed a fine of 1,000 Swiss francs on NFF and 5,000 Swiss francs on the Congolese body.
After losing the African play-off, Nigeria lodged the complaint, saying that the Congolese federation misled FIFA in securing nationality switches for several overseas-born players.
The petition, submitted on December 15, 2025, asked FIFA to investigate the matter and potentially disqualify DR Congo from the qualification process.
Punch reports that Nigerian federation’s document listed numerous foreign-born players who featured against the Super Eagles, including 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, 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 are scheduled to face the winner of the semi-final between New Caledonia and Jamaica on March 31 for a place at the World Cup, two of the disputed players, Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Mario Stroeykens, have already been dropped.
