Balikwisha’s DR Congo Switch Approved – But It Spells Trouble for Celtic

Celtic winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha has officially had his nationality switch to DR Congo approved by FIFA, paving the way for his first senior international cap this break.

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But the timing could cause a serious selection headache for Celtic.

Balikwisha has been named in DR Congo’s squad for their World Cup qualifier against Cameroon, confirming his long-anticipated switch from Belgium.

The 23-year-old, who joined Celtic in the summer, had been in the process of changing allegiance for several months, and the approval has now finally come through.

However, his new international status means Balikwisha is now set to be away at the Africa Cup of Nations, which runs from Sunday, 21 December 2025, to Sunday, 18 January 2026.

The tournament could see him miss a number of key Celtic fixtures, including the New Year Derby against Rangers at Celtic Park on January 3rd.

🚨𝙊𝙁𝙁𝙄𝘾𝙄𝙀𝙇 ! La FIFA a validé la nationalité sportive de Michel-Ange Balikwisha ✅🇨🇩

Il est désormais éligible pour représenter officiellement les Léopards ! 🐆🔥

📷 FIFA pic.twitter.com/gWY33XmpQp

— Actu foot RD Congo 🇨🇩 (@ActuFootRDCongo) November 11, 2025

And he might not be the only one missing. Tunisia have also qualified for AFCON, meaning Sebastian Tounekti is expected to be part of their squad, while Nigeria’s inclusion would see Kelechi Iheanacho called up as well, if fit. The two nations even face each other in the group stage.

With Callum Osmand sidelined for several months after his hamstring injury and Daizen Maeda’s future uncertain following his summer transfer frustrations, Celtic’s frontline could be stripped bare over the festive period.

Managerially, much remains up in the air as well, with the club still yet to appoint a permanent successor to Brendan Rodgers. Whoever takes charge could be walking straight into a major selection crisis in January.