The DR Congo national football team have omitted two players mentioned in a complaint by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) as they announced a 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup intercontinental play-offs.
The squad, released on Wednesday by head coach Sébastien Desabre, excludes Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Mario Stroeykens — two of the players Nigeria accused of potential eligibility breaches in a formal petition to FIFA.
However, Matheu Epolo, the third player highlighted in the complaint, was included in the Leopards’ squad.
Core Players Retained For Crucial Play-offs
Desabre retained most of the squad that eliminated the Nigeria national football team on penalties in the African play-off round.
The team will again be led by captain Chancel Mbemba alongside experienced players such as Cédric Bakambu, Yoane Wissa, and Samuel Moutoussamy.
DR Congo are seeking their second appearance at the FIFA World Cup.
Nigeria’s Complaint To FIFA
Nigeria lodged its complaint after losing the African play-off tie 4–3 on penalties to DR Congo.
The NFF alleged that the Congolese football federation misled FIFA while processing nationality switches for several foreign-born players.
The petition, which became public on December 15, 2025, requested a formal investigation and possible disqualification of DR Congo from the qualification process.
Players Mentioned In The Petition
The complaint listed several players who featured against Nigeria, including:
- Lionel Mpasi
- Aaron Wan-Bissaka
- Axel Tuanzebe
- Arthur Masuaku
- Samuel Moutoussamy
- Cédric Bakambu
Substitutes listed included Epolo, Balikwisha, and Stroeykens.
Nigeria argued that some players received final FIFA clearance only days before the decisive match on November 16, 2025, despite being called up earlier.
Timeline Raises Eligibility Questions
According to the complaint, Balikwisha, Stroeykens, and Epolo received final clearance between November 11 and 12, 2025.
However, they had reportedly been called up by the Congolese federation on November 1, 2025.
Nigeria questioned how the federation could summon players before FIFA approval was granted.
Balikwisha made his international debut in the match against Nigeria and scored one of the penalties that secured DR Congo’s victory.
Ongoing FIFA Silence
The omission of Balikwisha and Stroeykens from the latest squad has fuelled speculation that DR Congo may be avoiding further scrutiny while the case remains unresolved.
Despite months passing since the complaint was filed, FIFA has not announced any verdict or disciplinary action.
With the intercontinental play-offs approaching, the eligibility dispute continues to cast uncertainty over DR Congo’s World Cup campaign.
