DR Congo vs Nigeria: FIFA gives Leopards a morale boost ahead of Sunday’s decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff final against Super Eagles | OneFootball

FIFA approval transforms the Leopards’ squad for decisive 2026 playoff

DR Congo vs Nigeria: FIFA gives Leopards a morale boost ahead of Sunday’s decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff final against Super Eagles

DR Congo have been handed massive boost ahead of Sunday’s decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff final against Nigeria after FIFA approved the international switches of three Europe based players:

All three were cleared through FIFA’s Change of Association system after previously representing Belgium at youth level.

Balikwisha & Epolo were already added to the squad that defeated Cameroon 1-0 on Thursday, while Stroeykens was ruled out only due to late notification from FIFA.

Their availability significantly strengthens Sébastien Desabre’s options as the Leopards attempt to reach the World Cup for the first time since Zaire 1974.

A fallen giant waking up

The Leopards are no ordinary underdog. DR Congo were once the dominant force in African football winning AFCON titles in 1968 & 1974 finishing fourth in 1972 and becoming Africa’s first sub-Saharan team to reach the World Cup.

The country also produced legendary club sides:

This generation under Desabre’s methodical rebuild feels different.

They reached the AFCON 2023 semi finals, topped their AFCON qualifying group and came within minutes of beating Senegal to automatic World Cup qualification.

Mbemba: the captain leading the revival

If DR Congo reach the World Cup, no name will symbolize the journey more than Chancel Mbemba.

The 30 year old captain:

On Sunday, against Nigeria, the Leopards will not only be fighting for ticket to 2026 but for the chance to confirm that their long awaited reawakening is finally becoming reality.