Fresh intrigue has surfaced in the eligibility dispute between Nigeria and DR Congo after three players specifically named in the Nigeria’s FIFA petition were left out of the Leopards’ latest squad.
DR Congo head coach Sébastien Desabre has unveiled a 26-man roster for the decisive intercontinental playoffs in Mexico City.
But the absence of the trio of Michel-Ange Balikwisha , Gideon Kalulu and Mario Stroeykens at the heart of Nigeria’s petition has sparked intense speculation.
The omission is significant because both players were highlighted by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in its December 2025 complaint.
Nigeria alleges that DR Congo fielded ineligible players during the November playoff that saw the Super Eagles lose their spot in direct qualification.
The NFF’s protest focused on several dual-nationality players who recently switched allegiances. While high-profile names like Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe remain in the mix, the removal of Balikwisha and Stroeykens suggests the Congolese federation may be playing it safe.
Interestingly, Matheu Epolo, another player cited in the petition, retained his place in the squad.
The controversy stems from the dramatic November 2025 clash where DR Congo eliminated Nigeria via a penalty shootout after a 1-1 aggregate draw.
The NFF’s formal protest argues that several Congolese players may not have satisfied FIFA’s nationality requirements or completed proper clearance protocols.
The Nigerian petition against DR Congo has been tabled before But the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has yet to give an official verdict on the matter fuelling all sorts of speculations.
Meanwhile, the return of experienced 29-year-old star Yoane Wissa in the Leopards squad marks his return after injury setbacks and limited club minutes at English Premier League side Newcastle United.
The Leopards will face the New Caledonia-Jamaica winner in a decisive one-off match for a World Cup spot. The game is scheduled for Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico, following the semi-final between New Caledonia and Jamaica on March 26.
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