In a dramatic late development, the Democratic Republic of Congo's national football team has received a massive eligibility boost from FIFA just before their winner-takes-all World Cup playoff final against Nigeria.
World football's governing body has approved the change-of-association requests for three foreign-born players, clearing them to represent DR Congo in Sunday's high-stakes encounter in Rabat, Morocco.
Three New Weapons for the Leopards
The newly cleared trio includes Celtic midfielder Michel-Ange Balikwisha, rising Anderlecht playmaker Mario Stroeykens, and Standard Liege goalkeeper Matthieu Epolo. All three players had previously represented Belgium at various youth levels before switching their international allegiance to DR Congo.
According to reports from the International Window, the approvals were processed through FIFA's regulatory platform over several days leading up to the crucial match. Balikwisha and Epolo received clearance in time for DR Congo's previous game against Cameroon, though both remained unused substitutes, while Stroeykens got his approval only hours before that match and was consequently left out.
All three European-based professionals are now fully available for selection against the Super Eagles, giving head coach Sebastien Desabre significant additional options for the final.
Strengthened Squad Aims to End World Cup Drought
With these latest additions, DR Congo now boasts one of the most talent-rich squads in African football. The Leopards already featured an impressive roster of Europe-developed players including Lionel Mpasi, Steve Kapuadi, Gedeon Kalulu, Arthur Masuaku, Theo Bongonda, Cédric Bakambu, and former Manchester United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
DR Congo is bidding to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1974, and there's growing optimism that this strengthened generation could finally end that five-decade drought.
Coach Desabre views the addition of the three newly cleared players as providing a significant tactical advantage going into Sunday's final, where Africa's sole ticket to the intercontinental playoffs will be decided.
Super Eagles Face Strengthened Opposition
The timing of FIFA's approvals presents a fresh challenge for Nigeria's Super Eagles, who until now were considered favorites on paper. Nigeria comes into the match unbeaten in nine matches since March, though three of those results were draws.
Eric Chelle's side looked impressive in their 4-1 extra-time victory over Gabon, with Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams starring in attack. However, they now face a DR Congo team that has won four of their last five matches, losing only to Senegal.
The Congolese team's confidence is sky-high after their dramatic victory over Cameroon, secured by Chancel Mbemba's 91st-minute winner.
Historically, the head-to-head record between the two nations has been tightly contested. In six previous meetings, DR Congo leads with three wins to Nigeria's two, with their last encounter in 2018 ending 1-1.
In concerning news for Nigerian fans, there are reports that Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali may miss the crucial match due to injury, adding another layer of drama to this already tense World Cup qualification showdown.
