By Our Correspondent

National News – The world football governing body, FIFA, has sanctioned the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the DR Congo Football Federation following disciplinary incidents during the African play-off final for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The sanctions come four months after the dramatic clash between the Nigeria national football team and the DR Congo national football team on November 16, 2025, played in Morocco.

DR Congo edged Nigeria 4–3 in a tense penalty shootout, securing a place in the next stage of the qualification process.

According to FIFA’s disciplinary report, the Nigerian federation was found guilty of failing to maintain proper order and security during the match.

The ruling cited incidents where objects were thrown onto the pitch by spectators, a violation of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.

As a result, the NFF was fined 1,000 Swiss francs.

The Congolese football federation received a heavier penalty after their supporters were caught using laser pointers or similar electronic devices during the game.

The action breached FIFA’s rules on spectator conduct, prompting the global body to impose a 5,000 Swiss francs fine.

The match itself had been surrounded by controversy even after the final whistle.

Following the defeat, Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle publicly alleged that officials linked to the Congolese side engaged in “voodoo practices” during the game, claims that stirred debate among fans and football analysts.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian federation has filed a formal protest with FIFA, alleging that several DR Congo players who featured in the match were ineligible.

The petition, submitted on December 15, 2025, urged FIFA to investigate the nationality status of multiple overseas-born players who represented DR Congo.

Among those listed were Lionel Mpasi, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku, Samuel Moutoussamy and Cédric Bakambu, alongside other squad members who were either starters or substitutes in the decisive fixture.

Nigeria argued that clearance for some of the players to represent DR Congo was granted only days before the crucial match despite being called up earlier.

As FIFA reviews the protest, DR Congo are preparing for the next phase of the qualification process, where they are scheduled to face the winner between New Caledonia and Jamaica in an intercontinental play-off for a place at the 2026 World Cup.