The Congolese Football Federation (FECOFA) faces increased competition from Germany in recruiting dual-nationality players, a key issue days before an important match against Equatorial Guinea. This was highlighted by Germany coach Jürgen Klopp naming an oversized squad for the September international break, aiming to cap-tie certain talents to the Mannschaft.
Among the players affected is VfL Wolfsburg right-back Ridle Baku, who is eligible to represent the Democratic Republic of Congo. If he plays in the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches, he will be tied to Germany and unable to play for the Leopards. This strategy is not new but is intensifying with German football's demographics. Andreas Rettig, sporting director of the German FA (DFB), acknowledged this in a 2026 World Cup-related interview, stating his organisation is in competition with other countries for talent.
A contested talent pool
The Germany squad includes many players with multiple heritages, born and raised in the country but who have represented other nations at youth level. Beyond Baku, established internationals like Jonathan Tah or Serge Gnabry could have chosen Ivory Coast. Prospects like Noah Atubolu (Nigerian roots) or Yann Aurel Bisseck (Cameroonian origins) illustrate this wealth and complexity. The most recent case is Paul Wanner, who ultimately chose Austria, denying Germany one of its own products.
This battle for dual-passport players directly impacts DR Congo's ambitions as they seek to strengthen their squad after an inconsistent preparation period. The Leopards suffered three consecutive defeats in June, including a 2-1 loss to England on July 1st, before returning to winning ways against Uzbekistan (3-1). Their record from the last five games is one win, one draw, and three defeats. They need to regain confidence quickly before hosting Equatorial Guinea on September 24th, a key match for the group's momentum. Their next fixture after this match will be an important away trip in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. You can consult the Leopards' full schedule on our fixtures page.
The strategy of other federations
African national teams are often active in this recruitment game. Mohamed Ouahbi, a recruiter for the Moroccan Federation, explained his approach regarding another player, Frankfurt striker Younes. "He had a profile that interested us," he said. "I spoke to him on the phone and explained the Morocco project to him, without making any promises." This direct approach and the growing prestige of African teams, bolstered by World Cup performances, make the competition even fiercer.
For DR Congo, the challenge is to convince players like Baku that the Leopards' project is attractive, despite a period of mixed results. The team must also deal with absences, including Lionel Mpasi Nzau, Noah Mbamba, and Stanis Idumbo Muzambo, who are currently sidelined. The full list of eligible players and their status is available on our squad page. The next call-up from the national team coach will be closely watched, as the race for 2026 World Cup qualification will soon resume. FECOFA hopes the home match against Equatorial Guinea will mark a fresh start.
More detail at dw.com
