World Cup Playoff: DR Congo Drop Players Named In Nigeria’s Eligibility Complaint

The DR Congo national football team have omitted two players mentioned in a complaint filed by the Nigeria Football Federation to FIFA as they unveiled a 26-man squad for the intercontinental play-offs of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Head coach Sébastien Desabre announced the squad on Wednesday, keeping much of the group that helped the Leopards knock out the Nigeria national football team in the African play-off round in Morocco in 2025. DR Congo advanced after winning the tie 4–3 on penalties.

Captain Chancel Mbemba leads the squad, with experienced names including Cédric Bakambu, Yoane Wissa and Samuel Moutoussamy also selected as DR Congo chase a second appearance at the World Cup.

However, the squad announcement raised eyebrows after the omission of Michel‑Ange Balikwisha and Mario Stroeykens — two players specifically named in Nigeria’s petition to FIFA over alleged eligibility breaches.

Only Matheu Epolo, the third player referenced in the complaint, was included in the squad.

The Nigeria Football Federation lodged its protest after losing the African play-off tie to DR Congo, alleging that the Congolese Association Football Federation misled FIFA while securing nationality switches for several overseas-born players.

In the petition, made public on December 15, 2025, Nigeria asked FIFA to investigate the matter and consider disqualifying DR Congo from the qualification process if the allegations are proveng