FIFA Fines Nigeria, DR Congo Federations Over Incidents During World Cup Qualifier

FIFA has imposed disciplinary sanctions on the Nigeria Football Federation and the Congolese Football Association following incidents that occurred during a qualifying match for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

According to FIFA’s latest disciplinary report covering World Cup qualifying fixtures, both football bodies were found to have committed separate infractions during the encounter between the Nigeria national football team and the DR Congo national football team on November 16, 2025.

FIFA stated that Nigeria was sanctioned for a breach relating to order and security at matches after spectators were reported to have thrown objects during the game. The incident was deemed a violation of Article 17 and Article 17.2.b of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.

As a result, the Nigerian federation was handed a fine of 1,000 Swiss francs.

Meanwhile, the Congolese football authorities received a heavier penalty after supporters were found to have used laser pointers or similar electronic devices during the match, an action that contravenes Article 17.2.d of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. FIFA imposed a fine of 5,000 Swiss francs on the Congolese federation.

In its report, FIFA noted that disciplinary decisions are determined based on the specific circumstances surrounding each case and may still be subject to appeal by the parties involved.

The governing body added that while the disciplinary overview is primarily intended to inform the media, official legal decisions and detailed rulings are communicated directly to the affected associations.

The Nigeria–DR Congo encounter was one of several World Cup qualifying matches worldwide that came under disciplinary review, with various national associations and players sanctioned for offences ranging from crowd disturbances to player misconduct.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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