Change of association: Fifa clears Celtic, Standard Liege and Anderlecht stars to face Nigeria

FIFA has approved change ofassociation requests for three dual-national players named in the Democratic Republic of Congo squad for this month's international window, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.

According to Fifa's change of association platform, Celtic midfielder Michel-Ange Balikwisha, Anderlecht prodigy Mario Stroeykens and Standard Liege goalkeeper Matthieu Epolo are now fully eligible to represent the Leopards in competitive fixtures.

The trio are in contention for places in DR Congo's matchday squad on Sunday when Sebastien Desabre's men take on Nigeria in the African final of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers playoffs.

Balikwisha, Epolo and Stroeykens have now pledged their senior international futures to DR Congo after previously featuring for Belgium at various youth levels.

Having played in official UEFA youth competitions, all three were required to file applications for a one-time international switch under Fifa regulations.

Balikwisha and Epolo received approval on 11 and 12 November respectively, paving the way for their inclusion in the Leopards' matchday squad against Cameroon's Indomitable Lions, albiet they were unused substitutes.

However, Anderlecht midfielder Stroeykens was omitted from Thursday's squad after the Fédération Congolaise de Football Association was notified of his eligibility only hours before kick-off.

Their addition strengthens a DR Congo contingent heavily bolstered by European-born players.

Lionel Mpasi, Timothy Fayulu, Steve Kapuadi, Joris Kayembe, Gédéon Kalulu, Arthur Masuaku, Rocky Bushiri, Ngal’ayel Mukau, Nathanaël Mbuku, Samuel Moutoussamy, Théo Bongonda, Noah Sadiki, Charles Pickel, Samuel Essende, Cédric Bakambu and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are among the other Europe-born stars named in Desabre's squad for the World Cup qualifying playoffs.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit: celticfc.com 

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