The Democratic Republic of Congo’s participation in the 2027 U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign has been thrown into uncertainty following reports of a bonus dispute involving the national team.
The U23 Leopards are reported to have refused to travel to Nigeria for the second leg of their qualifying tie against the Olympic Eagles, with outstanding payments from previous international engagements said to be at the centre of the disagreement.
The situation could have significant consequences for the Congolese side, who risk disciplinary action and possible exclusion from the qualifying campaign if they fail to fulfil the fixture.
However, neither the Congolese football authorities nor the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially confirmed the reported boycott or indicated whether sanctions will be imposed.
The latest information has also added a new dimension to the dispute, with a report from @JolgaLuvundisa stating that the players received their bonuses for the two-legged encounter against Nigeria before the first match was played in Lubumbashi.
The report added that there had been no clarification on payments owed to the players from earlier international breaks, particularly the October period.
That distinction leaves questions over the precise nature of the disagreement and whether the outstanding payments could still affect the team’s willingness to travel for the return fixture.
The Leopards had given themselves a significant advantage in the tie after securing a 2-0 victory over Nigeria in the first leg in Lubumbashi.
The result placed the Congolese team in a strong position to progress, leaving the Olympic Eagles with the task of overturning a two-goal deficit when the sides meet again.
But the reported uncertainty surrounding the DRC’s participation could offer Nigeria an unexpected opportunity to keep their qualification hopes alive.
The return match is scheduled for November 17 in Ikenne, where Nigeria are expected to host the Congolese side.
For the Olympic Eagles, the prospect of facing a team that won the opening encounter by two goals already presents a difficult challenge. Any failure by the Leopards to travel, however, could change the course of the contest.
A failure to honour the fixture would also place the DRC at risk of disciplinary consequences, although the nature of any potential punishment would depend on the relevant football authorities and the circumstances surrounding the situation.
