Newcastle United forward Yoane Wissa has finally broken his silence following a wave of controversy surrounding the DR Congo national team.
The 29-year-old, who joined Newcastle from Brentford over the summer, has yet to make his long-awaited debut for the Magpies due to a knee injury. However, he has recently returned to light training at Darsley Park, signaling that a comeback could be close after the international break.
In the midst of his recovery, Wissa and his international teammates found themselves at the center of a storm after rumours emerged across African media suggesting that each player in the DR Congo squad would receive a staggering $1 million bonus.
The claim alleged that the payment would be awarded if the Leopards managed to defeat Cameroon and then overcome the winner of Nigeria versus Gabon in their World Cup qualification campaign later this month.
The reports quickly spread online, sparking huge debate among fans and pundits. Many questioned the legitimacy of such an enormous incentive, especially for a federation that has historically faced financial and logistical challenges.
The idea that the DR Congo Football Federation (FECOFA) or the government would promise such sums appeared far-fetched, yet the rumour gained significant traction before any official clarification was made.
According to Sports News Africa, the alleged bonus was said to be guaranteed once DR Congo reached the intercontinental play-offs, regardless of whether they ultimately qualified for the final tournament.
This would have placed the country just one step away from its first World Cup appearance since 1974, when it competed under the name Zaire.
However, the DR Congo FA wasted no time addressing the speculation. FECOFA issued an official statement firmly denying the existence of any million-dollar bonuses for the players.
The federation described the story as completely false and without any official basis. Their swift response aimed to dispel misinformation that had begun to dominate discussions ahead of the team’s crucial fixtures.
Wissa himself took to Instagram to share FECOFA’s official statement with his followers, ensuring fans received accurate information directly from him.
The message, translated from French, read: “The Congolese Football Federation (FECOFA) wishes to formally deny the rumour circulating on social media and in some media outlets, according to which each player on the national team, the Leopards of the DRC, has received or will receive one million US dollars as a bonus. FECOFA informs the public that this information is completely false, unfounded, and lacks any official basis from either the Government or the Federation.”
The statement went on to urge fans, journalists, and the general public to refrain from spreading misinformation, emphasizing that only official communication from FECOFA and the Ministry of Sports should be trusted.
The federation reiterated its commitment to transparency and fairness, promising to continue working for the progress of Congolese football and the welfare of its players.
While Wissa deals with the off-field noise surrounding his national team, his focus remains on returning to action for Newcastle. The winger has endured a frustrating spell since joining Eddie Howe’s side but is now showing positive signs of recovery.
Howe, speaking before the international break, confirmed that Wissa is progressing well in training and has had no setbacks with his knee.
The Newcastle boss explained that the club’s medical team is being cautious, ensuring that Wissa builds up his sharpness and physical strength before being thrown back into competitive action.
Howe stated, “Yoane’s working well. He’s on the grass, building his fitness. I think the knee’s feeling good, no problems with that. It’s more a case of looking at his fitness and sharpness all the things he’s going to need to put together. He’s in a good place injury-wise now to really kick on and push his body.”
Despite being eager to return, Wissa’s recovery has already seen a few setbacks, with two potential return dates in October and early November delayed.
Nonetheless, Howe remains confident that the patience will pay off. “We’re going to need to give him time to get fit and robust enough. And in a position where he can give his best version of himself for the team,” he said.
As both club and country continue to draw attention around him, Wissa’s next appearance whenever it comes is eagerly awaited by Newcastle fans who are keen to see what the Congolese forward can bring to their attack once he is fully fit and ready to make his mark at St James’ Park.
