World football body FIFA has fined the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) after disciplinary problems during a qualifying match for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to FIFA’s disciplinary report on the qualifiers, Nigeria was punished for a breach related to “order and security at matches.”
The incident happened during the African play-off match between the Nigeria national football team and the DR Congo national football team on 16th November 2025.
FIFA said the offence involved fans throwing objects during the game.
The action falls under Article 17 and Article 17.2.b of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which deals with crowd behaviour and stadium safety.
Because of the violation, FIFA fined the NFF 1,000 Swiss francs (about $1,100).
In its disciplinary overview, FIFA said Nigeria was penalised for a breach relating to “order and security at matches,” specifically involving the throwing of objects by spectators.
The match itself was controversial.
DR Congo defeated Nigeria 4–3 on penalties to move forward in the qualification process after the teams played out a tense encounter in Morocco.
The Congolese football federation was also punished, but with a heavier fine of 5,000 Swiss francs after supporters were found to have used laser pointers or similar devices during the match, which also violates FIFA’s disciplinary rules.
Meanwhile, the NFF has already filed a complaint asking FIFA to investigate the eligibility of several DR Congo players who took part in the game.
Nigeria argues that some players received approval to switch nationality only days before the match.
FIFA has not yet announced a final decision on that protest, which could still affect the outcome of the qualification process.
