DR Congo have received a significant lift from FIFA just hours before their decisive World Cup playoff final against Nigeria in Rabat, Soccernet.ng reports
The continent’s lone ticket to next year’s intercontinental playoffs will be decided on Sunday, and while Nigeria entered the fixture as slim favourites, the balance may be shifting after a late eligibility development.
FIFA has officially approved change-of-association requests for three dual-national players named in the Congolese squad for this month’s international window.
The 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 Sunday’s showdown against the Super Eagles.
DR Congo is the first to release their squad for the African #FIFAWorldCup Playoff with , and there are a few surprises.
Matthieu Epolo (Standard Liège )
Mario Stroeykens (Anderlecht )
Michel-Ange Balikwisha (Celtic )Getting the starting keeper for SL is… pic.twitter.com/vX6GRm2DDo
— The International Window (@windowintlpod) October 31, 2025
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Trio adds depth to DR Congo’s European-born core
Balikwisha and Epolo received clearance on 11 and 12 November respectively and were included in the matchday squad against Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions, although neither made an appearance.
Stroeykens’ eligibility was confirmed only hours before kick-off, leading to his omission from the squad that day. All three have now pledged their senior international futures to DR Congo after representing Belgium across youth categories.
La FIFA valide le changement de nationalité sportive de Mario Stroeykens (2004) !
Le milieu offensif d’Anderlecht (D1 ) est éligible pour jouer avec RDC .
Il aura peut-être l’occasion de faire ses débuts face au Nigéria en barrage de Coupe du Monde.#RDC #Congo pic.twitter.com/E5c4RRVh02
— Congolese Football News (@CongoleseFNews) November 14, 2025
The additions strengthen what has become a remarkably Europe-fortified Congolese squad.
Already, Sébastien Desabre’s team includes a strong cast of Europe-born or Europe-raised players such as Lionel Mpasi, Timothy Fayulu, Steve Kapuadi, Joris Kayembe, Gédéon Kalulu, Arthur Masuaku, Rocky Bushiri, Théo Bongonda, Samuel Essende, Charles Pickel, Cédric Bakambu and former Manchester United full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
DR Congo, who last appeared at the World Cup in 1974, believe the combination of defensive discipline and fresh technical reinforcements gives them a credible chance against a Nigerian side ranked 19 places higher by FIFA. Sunday’s final will be only the second competitive meeting between the sides, the first was in 1994, when Nigeria defeated the Leopards 2-0 in the AFCON quarter-finals.
Nigeria also boast a sizeable contingent of Europe-born players who have chosen to represent the Super Eagles.
Bright Osayi-Samuel, Ademola Lookman, Calvin Bassey and Cyriel Dessers are among the recent additions, following a pathway already established by Leon Balogun, Alex Iwobi, William Troost-Ekong and Ola Aina.
The Nigeria Football Federation remains active in pursuing further dual-nationals. Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo, Atalanta prospect Honest Ahanor, and Liverpool youngster Rio Ngumoha are among those reportedly still on the radar.