DR Congo has received a massive boost for its World Cup playoff final against Nigeria, with FIFA clearing Celtic’s Michel-Ange Balikwisha and two other dual-nationals to play for the Leopards.
DR Congo has received a major boost just hours ahead of their decisive World Cup playoff final against Nigeria, as FIFA officially approved the change-of-association requests for three key dual-national players, shifting the balance against the favored Super Eagles.
DR Congo has been handed a significant lift by FIFA just hours before their decisive World Cup playoff final against Nigeria in Rabat on Sunday, with the winner securing Africa’s lone ticket to next year’s intercontinental playoffs.
While Nigeria entered the fixture as slim favorites, the balance may now be shifting due to a late eligibility development.
According to a report from SOCCERNET.NG, FIFA officially approved the change-of-association requests for three dual-national players named in the Congolese squad for this month’s international window.
The crucial move clears Celtic midfielder Michel-Ange Balikwisha, Anderlecht sensation Mario Stroeykens, and Standard Liège goalkeeper Matthieu Epolo to feature in competitive fixtures for the Leopards.
The approvals, confirmed through FIFA’s regulatory platform, mean all three are now eligible for the showdown against the Super Eagles.
Balikwisha and Epolo received clearance on 11 and 12 November, respectively, and were included in the matchday squad against Cameroon, though neither played. Stroeykens’ eligibility was confirmed only hours before kick-off that day, leading to his omission.
All three have now pledged their senior international futures to DR Congo after representing Belgium across youth categories.
The additions strengthen a remarkably Europe-fortified Congolese squad managed by Sébastien Desabre, which already includes Joris Kayembe, Arthur Masuaku, Cédric Bakambu, and former Manchester United full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
DR Congo, who last appeared at the World Cup in 1974, believe that the combination of defensive discipline and these fresh technical reinforcements gives them a credible chance against a Nigerian side that is ranked 19 places higher by FIFA.
Sunday’s final will be only the second competitive meeting between the sides, with the first being Nigeria’s 2-0 victory in the 1994 AFCON quarter-finals.