Nigeria, DR Congo Set for High-Stakes World Cup Play-Off Final in Rabat

The Super Eagles will face DR Congo on Sunday in the final of the African play-offs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with both sides one win away from securing a place in next year’s intercontinental play-offs.

Nigeria advanced to the final after a commanding 4–1 extra-time victory over Gabon on Thursday, while DR Congo edged Cameroon 1–0 thanks to a late strike from captain Chancel Mbemba.

The Super Eagles come into the fixture on a solid run, having won four of their last five matches and drawing only once, against South Africa in September.

DR Congo mirror that recent form with four wins in their last five games, their only defeat coming against Senegal. The momentum has been enough to push Sébastien Desabre’s side into the final stage of the qualifiers.

Ndidi Cleared; Ajayi Returns; Osimhen in Hot Form

Nigeria received a boost after CAF confirmed that midfielder Wilfred Ndidi is eligible to play despite receiving a yellow card in the previous match. CAF ruled that cautions picked up in earlier rounds will not count toward suspension in the play-offs.

Defender Semi Ajayi is also back in contention after missing the Gabon match due to suspension.

Victor Osimhen, who has scored five goals in his last two appearances for the Super Eagles, is expected to lead the attack once again.

For DR Congo, Mbemba, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Axel Tuanzebe are among the key players Nigeria will have to keep an eye on.

Head-to-Head: Nigeria Dominant Over the Years

Nigeria and DR Congo have met seven times since the 1960s, when DR Congo competed as Zaire. The Super Eagles have a commanding record in the fixture, winning six of the encounters and losing only once, during a 2015 friendly.

Match Details

• Fixture: Nigeria vs DR Congo
• Competition: CAF World Cup Play-Off Final
• Date: November 16, 2025
• Time: 8pm WAT
• Venue: Rabat, Morocco

Sunday’s match is a straight shootout. The winner will advance to the intercontinental play-offs in March, where Africa will battle for an additional (10th) slot at the expanded 2026 World Cup.

Only 90 minutes, or more, if needed, will determine which side keeps their dream alive.