March 16, (THEWILL) — Nigeria’s petition challenging the eligibility of some DR Congo players remains pending as the world football governing body, FIFA, has fined the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Congolese Football Association over crowd misconduct recorded during their clash in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
The sanctions were disclosed in FIFA’s latest disciplinary report following breaches recorded during the match played on Nov. 16, 2025.
According to the report, Nigeria was fined 1,000 Swiss Francs after spectators threw objects during the game, an act that breached stadium security and crowd behaviour rules under Articles 17 and 17.2.b of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
DR Congo’s football federation was also fined 5,000 Swiss Francs after its supporters were found to have used laser pointers or similar electronic devices during the match.
FIFA ruled that the act violated Article 17.2.d of its Disciplinary Code and noted that disciplinary sanctions are determined on a case-by-case basis and remain subject to appeal.
The global football body explained that disciplinary summaries released publicly are mainly intended for media reporting, while full decisions are communicated directly to the federations involved.
The match has remained under scrutiny after Nigeria lost to DR Congo on penalties in the final African qualifying round.
Following the defeat, the NFF petitioned FIFA, questioning the eligibility of several DR Congo players who featured in the encounter.
Nigeria’s football body cited domestic laws in DR Congo which it said do not recognise dual citizenship for adults, arguing that some players represented the Leopards while also holding European passports.
NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, expressed concern about possible misrepresentation in the players’ documentation submitted to FIFA.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, urged patience as FIFA reviews Nigeria’s petition.
Dikko cautioned against interpreting DR Congo’s appearance in the intercontinental play-off fixtures as a final ruling on the matter.
“As far as we know, FIFA is yet to give its verdict,” he said, adding that authorities were closely monitoring developments.
He stressed that DR Congo’s inclusion among the six nations competing for the final play-off spots does not necessarily mean Nigeria’s complaint has been dismissed.
According to him, FIFA typically communicates sensitive rulings directly to the parties involved before making them public.
Dikko also expressed optimism that Nigeria could still prevail in the eligibility dispute and potentially secure a place in the play-offs. He urged Nigerians to remain calm while awaiting FIFA’s final decision.
Nigeria’s petition, submitted on Dec. 15, 2025, listed several overseas-born players who featured for DR Congo, including 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 of the players were cleared to represent DR Congo only days before the decisive play-off encounter.
However, DR Congo has excluded Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Mario Stroeykens from its 26-man squad for the upcoming intercontinental play-offs. The Leopards are scheduled to face the winner of the New Caledonia versus Jamaica semi-final on March 31.
Nigeria’s petition remains under review by FIFA, keeping the African qualifying controversy alive ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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