The Super Eagles have DR Congo as the next hurdle on their way to the 2026 World Cup.
A win over the Leopards in the final of the African play-offs will seal Nigeria’s ticket to the intercontinental play-offs billed for March.
Coach Eric Chelle’s side needed extra-time before dispatching Gabon 4-1 in Thursday’s semi-final in Rabat, Morocco.
The DR Congo, on the flipside, were 1-0 victors over Central African neighbours, Cameroon, thanks to a late Chancel Mbemba’s pin-point strike.
Team form
Nigeria have enjoyed great form coming into the game after a shuttering start to the World Cup qualifiers. They have won four of their last five games, drawing only against South Africa away in September
DR Congo have also won four matches in their last five games, losing only to Senegal September. But that form was enough to get a final play-offs berth for Sebastien Desabre’s men.
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Team News
While there were initial concerns about Wilfred Ndidi’s availability for DR Congo after a yellow card in the Gabon win, the Super Eagles will have the Besiktas man for the crunch tie with the Leopards. He was supposed to be suspended for the accumulation of yellow cards but was cleared aftes the Confederation of African Football (CAF) said the caution in the play-offs won’t count.
Coach Chelle will also be happy to have defender Semi Ajayi back for selection after serving a suspension for accumulation of yellow cards. He missed the Gabon game.
Star striker, Victor Osimhen, who has scored five goals in the last two games for the Super Eagles is expected to continue his fine form for the West Africans on Sunday.
For the DRC, Mbemba, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe are some names the Super Eagles should be wary of on Sunday.
Head to head
Nigeria and DR Congo have met seven times, dating back to the 60s where the Central African nation was known as Zaire. However, the Super Eagles have had the upper hand, winning six and losing one of the games. The defeat to the Leopards came in 2015 during a friendly encounter.
Fixture Details [Nigeria vs DR Congo⌋
Competition: CAF World Cup playoffs final.
Date: November 16, 2025
Time: 8pm (WAT)
Intercontinental Play-offs at Stake
Sunday’s match is a win-takes-it-all game. Whoever wins is guaranteed a ticket to the intercontinental play-offs next March for a chance to get a 10th ticket for Africa at the World Cup.
As the game kicks off, only 90 minutes will tell who picks up that precious ticket!
