DR Congo advanced to the intercontinental play-offs after a 4–3 penalty shootout victory over Nigeria in Morocco on November 16, 2025.
In its latest disciplinary report covering World Cup qualifiers, FIFA said the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) was fined 1,000 Swiss francs for “breach of order and security at matches,” specifically citing objects thrown by spectators, a violation of Articles 17 and 17.2.b of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
The Congolese federation faced a larger penalty of 5,000 Swiss francs after supporters were found using laser pointers or similar electronic devices, breaching Article 17.2.d of the same code.
The match, already contentious on the field, drew further controversy off it. Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle controversially accused DR Congo officials of using voodoo following the defeat.
These sanctions add to mounting attention on Nigeria’s formal protest regarding DR Congo’s alleged use of ineligible players during the play-off final. The NFF filed the complaint with FIFA on December 15, 2025, arguing that several overseas-born players had switched nationality too close to the match date, potentially violating eligibility rules.
Nigeria’s submission named multiple players in question, including Lionel Mpasi, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku, Samuel Moutoussamy, Ngal’ayel Mukau, Noah Sadiki, Nathanaël Mbuku, and Cédric Bakambu as starters, with substitutes Timothy Fayulu, Matthieu Epolo, Joris Kayembe, Edo Kayembe, Steve Kapuadi, Gédéon Kalulu, Michel-Ange Balikwisha, and Mario Stroeykens also cited.
According to the complaint, FIFA’s clearance for some players came just days before the decisive play-off, despite earlier call-ups, raising concerns about procedural irregularities.
Meanwhile, as DR Congo prepares to face the winner of the intercontinental semi-final between New Caledonia and Jamaica on March 31, the federation has dropped two of the disputed players, Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Mario Stroeykens, from its 26-man squad.
The outcome of FIFA’s investigation into Nigeria’s protest could have significant implications for the final World Cup qualification picture.