Nigeria, DR Congo sanctioned as Fifa protest drama grows
FIFA’s disciplinary action against Nigeria and DR Congo has added a new layer of tension to an already unresolved World Cup qualification dispute, with a separate protest from Nigeria still under review.
The governing body fined both national federations following incidents during their African play-off final in November, though the penalties themselves were relatively minor.
According to FIFA’s disciplinary report, the Nigeria Football Federation was fined 1,000 Swiss francs after officials determined it had not adequately controlled crowd behaviour during the match, citing incidents involving the throwing of objects.
The Congo DR Football Association received a larger fine of 5,000 Swiss francs after supporters were found to have used laser pointers or similar devices, which FIFA classifies as a separate breach of its disciplinary code.
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While those sanctions relate to fan behaviour, the wider significance of the match extends beyond disciplinary matters.
DR Congo secured victory in the play-off final in Rabat on 16 November 2025, winning 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw following extra time. The result ended Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the World Cup for the first time since 2018, while DR Congo moved a step closer to its first appearance at the tournament since 1974, when it competed as Zaire.
However, the fallout from that match has continued off the pitch.
BBC Sport reported that the Nigeria Football Federation filed a formal complaint with FIFA, questioning the eligibility of several DR Congo players who had switched international allegiance.
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The complaint centres on reports that DR Congo does not recognise dual citizenship for adults under domestic law, raising potential eligibility concerns over players including Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe, both of whom featured in the match.
Despite the ongoing dispute, FIFA has included DR Congo in the schedule for the intercontinental play-off tournament later this month in Mexico. The team is set to face the winner of New Caledonia against Jamaica on 31 March.
Head coach Sebastien Desabre has already named a 26-man squad for the upcoming fixtures, with forward Yoane Wissa returning after missing the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations due to injury.
With up to 10 African teams able to qualify for the expanded 2026 World Cup in North America, the stakes remain high — and FIFA’s pending decision on Nigeria’s protest could yet prove decisive.
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Sources: FIFA disciplinary report, BBC Sport
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