The World football governing body, or Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), has sanctioned the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) following disciplinary issues recorded during a qualifying match for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to FIFA’s disciplinary report on the qualifiers, Nigeria was penalised for breaching regulations relating to “order and security at matches” during a play-off encounter between the Nigeria national football team and the DR Congo national football team on November 16, 2025.
FIFA stated that the offence involved spectators throwing objects onto the field during the match, an act that contravenes Article 17 and Article 17.2.b of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which address crowd behaviour and stadium safety.
As a result of the violation, the NFF was fined 1,000 Swiss francs, equivalent to about $1,100.
In its disciplinary overview, FIFA reiterated that Nigeria’s sanction was specifically tied to the conduct of fans during the match.
The game itself ended in controversy after DR Congo defeated Nigeria 4–3 on penalties following a tense encounter played in Morocco, advancing in the qualification process.
The Congolese football federation was also sanctioned but received a heavier fine of 5,000 Swiss francs after their supporters were found to have used laser pointers or similar devices during the match, another breach of FIFA’s disciplinary regulations.
Meanwhile, the NFF has lodged a formal protest, requesting FIFA to investigate the eligibility of several DR Congo players who participated in the match.
Nigeria claims that some of the players involved had only received approval to switch national allegiance days before the fixture.
FIFA has yet to announce a final ruling on the protest, a decision that could potentially influence the outcome of the qualification process.
