World football governing body FIFA has imposed fines on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Fédération Congolaise de Football Association (FECOFA) following incidents during their tense 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clash on November 16, 2025
According to FIFA’s latest disciplinary report released on Friday, March 7, 2026: Nigeria was fined 1,000 Swiss Francs for lapses in match order and security after spectators threw objects onto the pitch. The offence was ruled to violate Articles 17 and 17.2.b of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which govern stadium security and crowd behaviour.
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DR Congo received a heavier fine of 5,000 Swiss Francs after supporters used laser pointers or similar electronic devices during the match. FIFA cited a breach of Article 17.2.d of the Disciplinary Code, noting that sanctions are determined case-by-case and remain subject to appeal.
FIFA clarified that public disciplinary summaries are primarily for media reporting, while full decisions are communicated directly to the affected federations. Nigeria’s Eligibility Petition Remains Pending The sanctions come amid ongoing controversy surrounding the match, which DR Congo won on penalties in the final African qualifying round. Nigeria subsequently filed a petition with FIFA on December 15, 2025, questioning the eligibility of several overseas-born players who featured for DR Congo.
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The list includes: Lionel Mpasi, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku, Samuel Moutoussamy, Ngal’ayel Mukau, Noah Sadiki, Nathanaël Mbuku and Cédric Bakambu.
The NFF argued that some players were cleared to represent DR Congo only days before the crucial play-off match, citing domestic laws in DR Congo that reportedly do not recognise dual citizenship for adults.
Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, urged Nigerians to exercise patience while FIFA reviews the petition. Speaking to journalists, he said: “As far as we know, FIFA is yet to give its verdict. DR Congo’s inclusion among the six nations competing for the final play-off spots does not mean Nigeria’s petition has been dismissed. FIFA usually communicates sensitive rulings directly to the parties involved before making them public.”
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Dikko expressed optimism that Nigeria could still win the eligibility case and secure a place in the intercontinental play-offs. He appealed for calm and urged stakeholders to await FIFA’s final decision.
DR Congo Squad Update DR Congo has excluded Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Mario Stroeykens from its 26-man squad for the upcoming intercontinental play-offs, a move some interpret as precautionary amid the eligibility dispute. The Leopards are scheduled to face the winner of the New Caledonia vs Jamaica semi-final on March 31, 2026.
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FIFA’s Position FIFA has not yet issued a public ruling on Nigeria’s petition, keeping the African qualifying controversy alive ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
This is a developing story. DDNewsOnline will continue to monitor for any update from FIFA or the NFF.
DDNewsOnline – Lagos
By Akai Akeobong
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