A place as Africa’s representative in the 2026 FIFA World Cup inter-confederation playoff is at stake as Nigeria face DR Congo on Sunday in Rabat.
The Super Eagles are aiming for a seventh World Cup appearance, while the Leopards pursue only their second since 1974, when the nation competed as Zaire.
Match Preview
Nigeria earned a dramatic 4–1 extra-time win over Gabon in the semi-final. Akor Adams opened the scoring in the 78th minute, but Gabon’s Mario Lemina equalised in stoppage time.
Victor Osimhen missed a key chance in regulation but scored twice in extra time after Chidera Ejuke had restored Nigeria’s lead.
The Super Eagles have won five of their last six matches, scoring 10 goals and conceding three in the most recent three fixtures, giving them confidence heading into Sunday’s final.
Akor Adams and Victor Osimhen celebrating the opener in Rabat. Photo Credit: Poojamedia
This will be the first competitive meeting between Nigeria and DR Congo, who last drew 1–1 in a friendly in 2018. Overall, Nigeria have won two of their six previous encounters, DR Congo three, with one draw.
DR Congo reached the final after captain Chancel Mbemba scored a stoppage-time winner against Cameroon.
The Leopards have won their last three matches by a single goal, reflecting a team built on defensive discipline rather than attacking flair.
Team News
Nigeria will be without Wilfred Ndidi due to yellow card accumulation. Frank Onyeka is expected to step into the holding midfield role in Eric Chelle’s favoured diamond 4-4-2 formation.
Semi Ajayi returns to central defence, pairing with Benjamin Fredrick and Calvin Bassey.
Up front, Akor Adams will link with Victor Osimhen, now on 31 international goals, aiming to close in on Rashidi Yekini’s all-time record of 37. Chidera Ejuke could retain a starting role after his influential performance against Gabon.
Akor Adams celebrating his second goal for the Super Eagles in his 3rd appearance against Gabon in the African playoff Semi final. Photo Credit: NFF/COMM
DR Congo have no suspensions or fresh injuries. Aaron Wan-Bissaka is expected at right-back, with Mbemba and Axel Tuanzebe in central defence.
Edo Kayembe completes the back four, while Cedric Bakambu leads the attack, two goals shy of Dieumerci Mbokani’s national scoring record.
Possible Lineups:
Nigeria: Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Frederick, Bassey, Sanusi; Chukwueze, Onyeka, Iwobi, Lookman; Osimhen, Adams
DR Congo: Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Kayembe; Moutoussamy, Pickel, Sadiki; Mbuku, Bakambu, Bongonda
DR Congo starting XI versus Cameroon in the African playoff Semi final. Photo Credit: Getty Images
Head-to-Head Record:
Total meetings: 6
Nigeria wins: 2
DR Congo wins: 3
Draws: 1
Last meeting: 2018 friendly, 1–1
Key Players
Nigeria: Victor Osimhen remains the talisman, capable of breaking the deadlock at any moment. Semi Ajayi’s return could see the Eagles go into 3 in the back with Bassey and Fredricks.
Victor Osimhen, now on 31 international goals, aiming to close in on Rashidi Yekini’s all-time record of 37. Photo Credit: Poojamedia
However, Wilfred Ndidi’s absence will open the door Frank Onyeka or Raphael Onyedika with Frank mostly likely to feature in controlling midfield with Iwobi, while Chidera Ejuke who came on to score his debut goal against Gabon could provide the spark on the flanks if he gets the nod to start ahead of Chukwueze or Lookman.
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DR Congo: Captain Chancel Mbemba is crucial both defensively and as a leader. Cedric Bakambu leads the attack and will be a constant threat to Nigeria’s defence, supported by the creative midfield trio of Moutoussamy, Pickel, and Sadiki.
DR Congo captain Chancel Mbemba has scored 7 goals in 100 appearances for his nation. Photo Credit: Getty Images
Prediction
Nigeria enter as favourites, boosted by form, squad depth, and World Cup pedigree. However, DR Congo’s defensive resilience and Mbemba’s leadership mean the match is likely to be tightly contested. A 2–1 victory for the Super Eagles is a realistic forecast, though the Leopards could spring a late surprise.
How to Watch
The match will be broadcast live on GoTV and SuperSport across Nigeria and several African countries.
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Online streaming is available on Sporty TV and FIFA+, FIFA’s official platform for World Cup qualifying fixtures.
