FIFA has sanctioned Nigeria and Democratic Republic of the Congo following disciplinary breaches during their 2026 World Cup qualifying match.
The sanctions were announced after DR Congo defeated Nigeria 4–3 on penalties in Morocco to advance to the intercontinental play-offs of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
According to FIFA’s disciplinary report, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) was fined 1,000 Swiss francs after spectators were found to have thrown objects during the match.
The action was ruled to be in violation of Articles 17 and 17.2.b of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which addresses crowd misconduct at football matches.
The DR Congo Football Federation was fined 5,000 Swiss francs after supporters used laser pointers and other electronic devices during the match.
FIFA said the conduct violated Article 17.2.d of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which prohibits the use of such devices as they can distract players and officials.
Following Nigeria’s elimination, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle alleged that DR Congo officials engaged in voodoo rituals during the penalty shootout.
“During all the penalty sessions, the guy from Congo did some voodoo,” Chelle said.
“Every time, so this is why I was a little nervous after him.”
The sanctions come as FIFA continues to review a complaint filed by Nigeria against DR Congo over the alleged use of ineligible players.
Nigeria lodged the protest on December 15, 2025, questioning the nationality switches of several overseas-born players, including:
Lionel Mpasi
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Axel Tuanzebe
Arthur Masuaku
Samuel Moutoussamy
Cédric Bakambu
As preparations continue for the next stage of the qualifiers, DR Congo will face the winner of the match between New Caledonia and Jamaica in the intercontinental play-off scheduled for March 31.
However, the Congolese team has already dropped two of the disputed playersMichel-Ange Balikwisha and Mario Stroeykens from its 26-man squad ahead of the crucial encounter.
