FIFA World Cup Playoffs: Nigeria’s Possible Foe Release Powerful 25-Man Squad

FIFA World Cup Playoffs: Nigeria’s Possible Foe Release Powerful 25-Man Squad

By Niyi Busari 

The Democratic Republic of Congo has released a formidable 25-man squad for their high-stakes CAF World Cup qualifying playoff against Cameroon, set to take place in Rabat, Morocco, next month.

Head coach Sébastien Desabre has opted for a well-balanced team that blends international experience with youthful dynamism as the Leopards look to advance in the race for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The squad boasts several household names, including Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham United), Chancel Mbemba (Lille), Theo Bongonda (Spartak Moscow), and Cédric Bakambu (Real Betis) — all key figures expected to provide leadership and stability on the pitch.

In midfield, Desabre has selected a technically gifted group featuring Samuel Moutoussamy, Charles Pickel, Michaël Balikwisha, and Edo Kayembe, offering both creativity and defensive resilience.

One of the notable inclusions is Fiston Mayele of Pyramids FC (Egypt) — the only home-based player in the squad. His consistent goal-scoring form at club level has earned him a place in the team for what is shaping up to be one of DR Congo’s most important fixtures in recent years.

The Leopards will face Cameroon on November 13, 2025, at the Stade El Barid in Rabat in what promises to be a thrilling battle between two of Central Africa’s football heavyweights.

The winner of the tie will advance to face either Nigeria’s Super Eagles or Gabon in the final of the CAF World Cup playoff. The eventual champion will move on to the Intercontinental Playoffs in March 2026, where two of Africa’s representatives will compete for places at the FIFA World Cup 2026.