The Democratic Republic of Congo has omitted two players specifically named in Nigeria’s FIFA eligibility complaint from their World Cup play-off squad.
This adds a new direction to a dispute that remains unresolved three months after the Nigeria Football Federation lodged its formal protest.
Head coach Sébastien Desabre announced a 26-man squad on Wednesday for the intercontinental play-offs scheduled for later this month in Mexico. Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Mario Stroeykens, both highlighted in Nigeria’s petition, did not make the cut.
Only Matheu Epolo, the third player prominently mentioned in the Nigerian complaint, retained his place in the squad. Balikwisha had made his international debut against Nigeria in November. He converted one of the penalties that secured DR Congo’s victory.
The Nigerian federation filed its petition on December 15, 2025, after losing the African play-off final 4-3 on penalties in Rabat. The defeat ended the Super Eagles’ hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup.
Nigeria alleges that several Congolese players received clearance to represent DR Congo through incomplete or misleading documentation. The petition focuses on DR Congo’s domestic law, which prohibits dual citizenship for adults.
In the complaint, made public by journalist Osasu Obayiuwana, the NFF detailed that at least three players with unrenounced Belgian nationality received final clearance between November 11 and 12, 2025. Notably, this occurred just days before the play-off match against Nigeria on November 16.
The document questioned how the Congolese federation could call up these players on November 1, approximately eleven days before receiving FIFA approval. Furthermore, it asked what gave them the confidence to take such an unusual step for the play-offs.
DR Congo has consistently rejected Nigeria’s claims. The Congolese FA posted on social media in December: “If you can’t win on the pitch, don’t try to win from the back door. The World Cup has to be played with dignity and confidence, not with lawyers’ tricks”.
Unresolved status
FIFA has yet to issue any verdict on Nigeria’s eligibility petition. The NFF clarified in February that circulating reports of a ruling were false. Furthermore, communications director Ademola Olajire stated that FIFA has not communicated any decision to either federation.
The governing body retains authority to investigate allegations of fraud or document falsification. Potential sanctions could range from player bans and match forfeitures to expulsion from competitions, should any wrongdoing be established.
DR Congo now awaits an intercontinental play-off later this month against either Jamaica or New Caledonia in Mexico. The winner will qualify for the 48-team tournament in North America, which begins on June 11.
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The omission of Balikwisha and Stroeykens from the squad, particularly Balikwisha’s absence despite his decisive role in the previous round, raises questions about whether the Congolese coaching staff is avoiding further scrutiny. This is an important issue while the case remains unresolved.
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With the decisive matches approaching, the eligibility controversy continues to cast a shadow over DR Congo’s World Cup ambitions. The dispute remains unresolved, and FIFA’s silence endures.
