World football governing body, FIFA, has sanctioned the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Congolese Football Association following disciplinary incidents recorded during a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers match between the two countries.

In its latest disciplinary overview of World Cup qualifying fixtures, FIFA said both federations committed separate infractions during the encounter played on November 16, 2025.

According to FIFA, Nigeria was penalised for a breach of match security regulations after spectators were found to have thrown objects onto the pitch during the game.

The offence, which falls under Articles 17 and 17.2.b of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, attracted a fine of 1,000 Swiss francs for the NFF.

The Congolese federation received a heavier sanction after supporters were reported to have used laser pointers or similar electronic devices during the match.

The act contravenes Article 17.2.d of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, prompting FIFA to impose a fine of 5,000 Swiss francs on the DR Congo Football Association.

FIFA noted that disciplinary decisions are determined by the specific circumstances of each case and may still be subject to appeal. The world football body also clarified that the sanctions summary released publicly is mainly for media information, while the official legal rulings are communicated directly to the affected federations.

The Nigeria–DR Congo fixture has remained under intense scrutiny following the controversial end to Nigeria’s World Cup qualification campaign.

Nigeria’s hopes of advancing in the qualifying series were dashed last November after the Nigeria national football team, popularly known as the Super Eagles, lost to the DR Congo national football team on penalties in the final round of the African qualifying play-offs.

Following the defeat, the NFF filed a formal petition to FIFA challenging the eligibility of several DR Congo players.

Nigeria’s complaint centres on the argument that DR Congo’s domestic laws do not recognise dual citizenship for adults, raising questions about players who reportedly hold European passports while representing the Leopards.

NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, earlier explained the federation’s position.

“As far as FIFA is concerned, once you have the passport of your country, you are eligible. But our concern is that FIFA may have been deceived into clearing them,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, has urged Nigerians not to interpret recent developments as a final verdict on the country’s complaint.

Dikko said the inclusion of DR Congo among the teams preparing for the intercontinental play-off tournament does not necessarily mean that FIFA has already ruled on Nigeria’s petition.

“As far as we know, FIFA is yet to deliver its verdict,” Dikko was quoted as saying by ThisDay newspaper. “We are monitoring the situation closely.

“The fact that DR Congo appears among the six nations competing for the final two playoff spots is not enough to conclude that FIFA has dismissed Nigeria’s petition.”

He added that FIFA typically informs all parties involved before issuing final decisions on sensitive matters.

“The FIFA we know has established channels for communicating such sensitive information to the parties concerned. DR Congo’s name appears on the fixtures for now because the case brought before FIFA has not yet been decided.

“We remain hopeful that Nigeria will succeed in the eligibility case and the Super Eagles will proceed to the playoff and possibly secure a place at the World Cup. I urge Nigerians to remain calm and await the final verdict.”

DR Congo is currently listed among the teams preparing for the intercontinental play-off tournament as the race for the remaining spots at the 2026 FIFA World Cup gathers momentum.