DR Congo Press Ahead With Diaspora Recruitment Amid FIFA Eligibility Dispute With Nigeria

DR Congo Press Ahead With Diaspora Recruitment Amid FIFA Eligibility Dispute With Nigeria

By Our Reporter 

The Democratic Republic of Congo are forging ahead with preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, intensifying efforts to recruit foreign-based players despite an ongoing eligibility dispute that could yet alter the qualification landscape, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

While Nigeria await a ruling from FIFA over a petition challenging DR Congo’s player eligibility, the Leopards are acting with confidence, continuing an aggressive recruitment drive aimed at strengthening their squad ahead of the inter-confederation play-offs.

According to Foot Mercato, DR Congo are targeting several France-trained players as part of a broader strategy to bolster their ranks. AC Milan midfielder Warren Bondo, currently on loan at Cremonese, and Villarreal defender Willy Kambwala have already committed to switching international allegiance from France to DR Congo, having previously represented the European nation at youth level.

The Congolese federation is also exploring moves for Nottingham Forest duo Dilane Bakwa and Arnaud Kalimuendo, with the latter presently on loan at Eintracht Frankfurt. Both players, like Bondo and Kambwala, are former French youth internationals and are viewed as high-profile additions.

Beyond these names, DR Congo’s recruitment efforts extend to a wider pool of diaspora talent, including Bradley Locko, Obed Nkambadio, Jean-Victor Makengo, Marc Bola, Samuel Mbangula, Anthony Musaba, Jordy Makengo, Antoni Milambo, Alonzo Engwanda and Ezechiel Banzuzi. The approach signals determination and long-term ambition, even as FIFA scrutiny remains unresolved.

Nigeria, meanwhile, continue to await a decision on a formal petition submitted by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) following their penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo in November at the Moulay Hassan Stadium. That loss appeared to end the Super Eagles’ World Cup hopes, but weeks later the NFF accused DR Congo of fielding ineligible players, citing alleged violations of FIFA’s rules on nationality and eligibility.

Despite criticism from former Super Eagles captain and coach Sunday Oliseh, the NFF has maintained confidence in its case. General Secretary Dr Mohammed Sanusi reiterated the federation’s position, insisting the complaint was not frivolous.

“We have a good case. We don’t venture into what we know is an exercise in futility,” Sanusi said. “As far as we are concerned, we are waiting for what FIFA will say regarding the complaints we have lodged.”

For now, DR Congo remain officially listed as Africa’s representatives in the inter-confederation play-offs, scheduled for March 26 and 31, 2026, in Mexico. They are set to face teams including Iraq, Jamaica or New Caledonia, Suriname and Bolivia, with two World Cup places available.

Should FIFA rule in Nigeria’s favour, the Super Eagles could yet re-enter the qualification race. Until then, DR Congo continue to plan as contenders, pressing ahead as a nation confident of its place on football’s biggest stage.