By Our Correspondent
National News – The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has unveiled a 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup intercontinental play-offs, notably omitting two players highlighted in the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) eligibility complaint to FIFA.
Head coach Sébastien Desabre retained the core team that overcame Nigeria on penalties in the African play-off round while recalling players absent from the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Captain Chancel Mbemba will lead seasoned players such as Cedric Bakambu, Yoane Wissa, and Samuel Moutoussamy as DR Congo aims for its second World Cup appearance.
The exclusion of Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Mario Stroeykens, the two athletes specifically mentioned in Nigeria’s formal protest, has intensified the ongoing eligibility dispute.
Only Matheu Epolo, the third player in Nigeria’s petition, made the squad.
The NFF lodged the complaint following DR Congo’s 4–3 penalty victory over Nigeria, alleging procedural violations in nationality approvals for several overseas-born players.
Documents submitted to FIFA suggested that Balikwisha, Stroeykens, and Epolo received clearance just days before the crucial match on November 16, 2025, despite earlier call-ups.
The Nigerian petition questioned how the Congolese federation, FECOFA, could summon foreign-born players without final FIFA approval, highlighting Balikwisha’s debut against Nigeria, during which he scored in the penalty shootout.
Stroeykens, however, missed his first senior cap due to injury, while Epolo debuted for DR Congo a day after Nigeria made its complaint public.
Observers suggest the omission of Balikwisha and Stroeykens from the new squad may be a tactical or precautionary measure while FIFA’s decision remains pending.
As DR Congo prepares for decisive matches in Guadalajara and Monterrey, the eligibility controversy continues to cast a shadow over their World Cup qualification campaign.
FIFA has yet to announce any ruling on Nigeria’s complaint, keeping fans and officials on edge as the intercontinental play-offs approach.
