Nigeria vs. DR Congo Preview: Super Eagles determined to land World Cup ticket

Nigeria’s Super Eagles clash with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Sunday in a high-stakes final for a coveted ticket to the Intercontinental World Cup playoffs.

Both sides endured grueling semi-finals: Nigeria needed extra time to dispatch Gabon 4-1, while DRC relied on a dramatic late goal to overcome Cameroon.

It's settled.

Nigeria vs DR Congo in the African #WCQ Play-Offs Final! 🇳🇬🇨🇩 pic.twitter.com/2LXRhvoJYN

— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) November 13, 2025

Match Details

• Fixture: Nigeria vs. DR Congo

• Competition: 2026 FIFA World Cup Continental Playoffs (CAF)

• Venue: Prince Moulay Hassan Stadium, Rabat

• Time: 8:00 PM WAT

Nigeria, who entered qualification as favourites, have had a rocky path, dropping crucial points and being effectively saved by Eritrea’s withdrawal to reach this stage.

Their semi-final win over Gabon highlighted this inconsistency: a dominant first half followed by a complacent second, before extra-time goals finally secured the win.

DR Congo, meanwhile, is seeking redemption after missing out on direct qualification by just two points. Their victory over continental giants Cameroon, secured by a late Chancel Mbemba goal, provides immense confidence. The motivation is huge: DRC’s last World Cup appearance was in 1974 (as Zaire).

Head-to-Head and Team News

Nigeria enters the final on a nine-game unbeaten streak (with three draws), while DRC has won four of their last five. Historically, DRC holds a slight edge with three wins to Nigeria’s two in six encounters.

Both teams report a clean bill of health, with no injuries or suspensions. Nigeria’s key midfielder Wilfred Ndidi is available, and DRC coach Sébastien Desabre has his full squad, including captain Chancel Mbemba, at his disposal.

Possible Starting Lineups

Nigeria: Stanley Nwabali; Benjamin Fredrick, Calvin Bassey, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Zaidu Sanusi; Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze; Victor Osimhen, Akor Adams.

DR Congo: Lionel Mpasi-Nzau; Joris Kayembe, Chancel Mbemba, Samuel Moutoussamy, Axel Tuanzebe, Aaron Wan-Bissaka; Nathaniel Mbuku, Charles Pickel, Noah Sadiki; Cedric Bakambu, Theo Bongonda.