"I'm going to play the World Cup with the DRC"… A dual-nationality gem skips France
The Franco-Congolese prodigy Néhemie Lurika has expressed great enthusiasm about representing the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on the international stage.
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Born in France to Congolese parents, the 17-year-old forward is eligible to wear the jerseys of both the "Leopards" and the "Blues".
In an interview with the media outlet “joueurs congolais”, the Villeneuve-Saint-Georges native expressed his desire to participate in the 2026 World Cup with the Congolese team if they qualify.
A commendable approach by the young striker who hasn't played the bidding game like most dual-nationality talents.

What to know about Néhemie Lurika?
After stints with Asnières FC (-2020), Montrouge FC 92 (2020-2022), and AS Nancy-Lorraine (2022-2023), he joined Olympique Lyonnais in 2023 as a free agent.
In the current season, he has participated in 26 matches with the U19 team, scoring 6 goals and providing 3 assists.