DR Congo World Cup qualification backed by Udeze as former Super Eagles defender explains why he supports the Leopards’ 2026 bid

Former Super Eagles defender Ifeanyi Udeze has declared his support for the Democratic Republic of Congo as the nation continues its push for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Udeze stated that he would be rooting for DR Congo following their victory over Nigeria in the final of the African playoffs last November, a result that denied the Super Eagles a place at the global tournament.

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The DR Congo side, popularly known as the Leopards, are now set to face Jamaica in a decisive fixture as they aim to secure qualification.

The DR Congo World Cup qualification campaign represents an opportunity for the Central African nation to return to football’s biggest stage for only the second time in their history.

Their sole previous appearance came at the 1974 World Cup hosted in Germany.

Speaking on Brila FM, Udeze explained that his decision to support DR Congo is driven by a desire for Nigerian players to fully appreciate the demands and significance of qualifying for a major tournament.

He suggested that witnessing the team that eliminated Nigeria eventually secure a World Cup ticket would serve as a powerful lesson for the current squad.

The former defender emphasised that such experiences can help strengthen mentality and commitment within the national team setup, particularly as Nigeria continues to rebuild and refocus on future international competitions.

DR Congo’s upcoming match against Jamaica is widely viewed as a crucial test in their qualification journey, with both teams vying for limited spots at the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The outcome will determine whether the Leopards can achieve a historic return to the global stage.

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As anticipation builds around the fixture, attention remains on whether DR Congo can capitalise on their momentum and complete what would be a remarkable qualification story, one that has already drawn interest and reflection across African football circles.