FIFA has imposed disciplinary fines on both the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the DR Congo Football Association following incidents during their contentious World Cup qualifying encounter on November 16, 2025. This match, which saw Nigeria's hopes of progressing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification race dashed, has been marred by controversy due to an ongoing eligibility protest filed by Nigeria against several Congolese players.

According to FIFA's latest disciplinary overview for World Cup qualifying fixtures, both federations were found guilty of distinct breaches of the governing body's disciplinary code. The Nigerian federation was fined 1,000 Swiss francs for failing to maintain proper order and security, after spectators were reported to have thrown objects during the game, a violation under Articles 17 and 17.2.b of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.

The DR Congo Football Association received a significantly heavier penalty, a 5,000 Swiss francs fine, because their supporters were found to have used laser pointers or similar electronic devices during the match. This act is a direct violation of Article 17.2.d of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. FIFA noted that disciplinary sanctions are determined based on the specific circumstances of each case, and these decisions remain subject to appeal.

These disciplinary measures come amidst Nigeria's continued wait for a separate ruling from FIFA concerning the NFF’s formal protest over the alleged use of ineligible players by DR Congo. Nigeria's qualification hopes were initially extinguished after losing 4–3 on penalties to the Leopards in the African playoff final, played in Morocco.

Following the defeat, the NFF submitted a petition questioning the eligibility of several players representing DR Congo, alleging that the Congolese FA might have misled FIFA while securing nationality clearance for a number of overseas-born players. Players reportedly listed in Nigeria’s complaint include Lionel Mpasi, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku, Samuel Moutoussamy, Cédric Bakambu, Noah Sadiki, and Nathanaël Mbuku, alongside several substitutes.

The Nigerian petition specifically questioned the timing of nationality clearance for some players, who were allegedly cleared to represent DR Congo shortly before the decisive playoff despite prior call-ups. Despite DR Congo being listed among the teams preparing for the intercontinental playoff tournament—where they are scheduled to face the winner of the semifinal between the Jamaica and New Caledonia national football teams for a place at the 2026 World Cup—Chairman of the National Sports Commission of Nigeria, Shehu Dikko, has urged Nigerians not to interpret this as a final decision. Dikko emphasized that FIFA has yet to issue its verdict on Nigeria's petition, which could potentially alter the Super Eagles' qualification fate.