The world football governing body FIFA has sanctioned both the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Congolese Football Federation over disciplinary infractions recorded during their 2026 FIFA World Cup African play‑off match in Morocco on November 16, 2025.
The two nations competed in the final of the African play‑off for a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup intercontinental play‑offs.
In that match, the DR Congo national team defeated the Nigeria national team 4‑3 on penalties after regular time ended in a draw.
In its latest disciplinary overview, FIFA said the NFF was found guilty of a breach relating to order and security at matches.
The ruling cited incidents involving spectators throwing objects during the game, which FIFA said contravened provisions of its Disciplinary Code. The NFF was fined 1,000 Swiss francs.
FIFA also said it found the Congolese federation in breach of another section of the Disciplinary Code after supporters were found to have used laser pointers or similar electronic devices during the match. The Congolese federation was fined 5,000 Swiss francs.
The disciplinary sanctions follow months after the match and were announced as part of FIFA’s sanctions report on the World Cup qualifiers.
The sanctions imposed by FIFA are part of the world football governing body’s enforcement of its Disciplinary Code governing order and security at matches.
Teams and associations charged with infractions are liable to fines and other penalties under the code.
The NFF had previously lodged a formal complaint with FIFA questioning the eligibility of several DR Congo players fielded in the match. That complaint remains under review by FIFA.
