DR Congo Strengthens Squad Against Nigeria Clash With Three Dual-national Players

DR Congo have strengthened their squad ahead of Sunday’s high-stakes World Cup playoff final against Nigeria, after FIFA officially approved change-of-association requests for three dual-national players.

Celtic midfielder Michel-Ange Balikwisha, Anderlecht rising star Mario Stroeykens, and Standard Liège goalkeeper Matthieu Epolo are now fully eligible to represent the Leopards in all competitive fixtures.

Their names appeared this week on FIFA’s change-of-association platform, confirming the successful completion of their one-time switch.

All three had represented Belgium at various youth levels and had featured in official UEFA youth competitions, making a formal FIFA application mandatory under global eligibility regulations.