Democratic Republic of the Congo have omitted two players highlighted in a complaint filed by the Nigeria Football Federation to FIFA as they released their 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup intercontinental play-offs.
Head coach Sébastien Desabre unveiled the Leopards’ squad on Wednesday, largely retaining the core players who helped the team defeat Nigeria national football team on penalties in the African play-off round.
The squad is led by captain Chancel Mbemba and also features experienced players such as Cédric Bakambu, Yoane Wissa and Samuel Moutoussamy as the Congolese side aim to secure another appearance at the World Cup.
However, the announcement drew attention due to the absence of Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Mario Stroeykens, two players specifically mentioned in Nigeria’s petition to FIFA over alleged eligibility breaches. Only Matheu Epolo, the third player highlighted in the complaint, was included in the new squad.
Nigeria filed the protest after losing the African play-off tie to DR Congo 4–3 on penalties, arguing that the Congolese football federation misled FIFA in the process of switching the national eligibility of several overseas-born players.
The complaint, which became public on December 15, 2025, questioned how some players were called up before receiving final approval from FIFA to represent DR Congo.
According to the document, players including Lionel Mpasi, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku, Ngal’ayel Mukau, Noah Sadiki, Nathanael Mbuku and Bakambu were among those who featured in the match against Nigeria.
Nigeria’s petition argued that Balikwisha, Stroeykens and Epolo received final clearance to represent DR Congo only days before the decisive play-off match played on November 16, 2025.
Balikwisha made his debut in that game and converted one of the penalties that secured DR Congo’s progression, while Stroeykens was unable to earn his first senior cap after suffering an injury shortly after the match.
Read Also;
Unai Emery Sets Record as Fastest Aston Villa Manager to Reach 100 Wins
Their absence from the latest squad — particularly Balikwisha’s omission despite his role in the previous round — has raised questions about whether the Congolese team is attempting to avoid further scrutiny while the FIFA investigation remains unresolved.
Despite the controversy, DR Congo appear to be preparing confidently for the intercontinental play-offs as they aim to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
For many observers in Nigeria, the decision to leave out the two players could suggest that the complaint filed by the Nigeria Football Federation is still under consideration, especially as FIFA has yet to deliver a final ruling on the matter.
With the decisive play-off matches drawing closer, the eligibility dispute continues to linger, casting uncertainty over DR Congo’s qualification campaign.
