FIFA FINES NFF, DR CONGO AFTER WORLD CUP QUALIFIER INCIDENTS

By: Gyang Dakwo

FIFA has sanctioned the Nigeria Football Federation and the Congolese Football Association after disciplinary incidents during a 2026 World Cup qualifying match between the two countries.

In its latest disciplinary overview for World Cup qualifying games, FIFA said the two football bodies were guilty of different offences during the match played on 16 November 2025.

Nigeria was punished for a breach relating to order and security at the match. FIFA said some spectators threw objects during the game, and this led to a fine of 1,000 Swiss Francs for the Nigeria Football Federation.

The offence falls under Article 17 and Article 17.2.b of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which deals with safety and order during football matches.

The Congolese federation received a heavier sanction because its supporters were found to have used laser pointers or similar electronic devices during the game. FIFA said this action breaks Article 17.2.d of the disciplinary code, and the DR Congo Football Association was fined 5,000 Swiss Francs.

FIFA explained that disciplinary decisions depend on the circumstances of each case, and it added that the decisions may still be appealed.

The football body also said the sanctions released to the public are mainly meant to inform the media, while the full legal decisions are sent directly to the football federations involved.

The match between Nigeria and DR Congo has remained a major talking point because it marked the end of Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

Nigeria’s hopes ended in November after the Super Eagles lost to DR Congo on penalties in the final round of the African qualifying play offs.

After that defeat, the Nigeria Football Federation sent a formal petition to FIFA and questioned the eligibility of some DR Congo players.

The issue appeared to calm down after FIFA listed DR Congo as Africa’s representative to the continental play-offs.

However, Nigeria is still waiting for FIFA’s final decision on the eligibility dispute, and that ruling could decide whether the Super Eagles still have any chance of returning to the qualification race.