Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo will battle for survival on Sunday in a winner-takes-all World Cup qualifying play-off final, with the victor advancing to next year’s inter-confederation tournament and staying firmly in contention for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Super Eagles arrive in the final after a dramatic and emotionally charged journey. Days after boycotting training over unpaid bonuses, Nigeria dug deep to defeat Gabon 4–1 in extra time in Rabat.
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Akor Adams finally broke the deadlock in the 78th minute, only for Mario Lemina to level at the death and force extra time. Chidera Ejuke restored Nigeria’s lead moments into extra time before Victor Osimhen took over, scoring twice to seal a commanding victory and propel the three-time African champions into the final stage.
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DR Congo booked their spot in equally dramatic fashion. Locked in a tense stalemate with Cameroon, the Leopards snatched a 1–0 win courtesy of a stoppage-time strike from captain Chancel Mbemba, ending the Indomitable Lions’ hopes of a ninth World Cup appearance.
Under the guidance of Sébastien Desabre, DR Congo are chasing only their second World Cup berth — their last appearance coming in 1974.
Nigeria vs DR Congo – Match Details
Fixture: Nigeria vs DR Congo
Date: Sunday, 16 November 2025
Kick-off: 7:00 p.m. GMT
Venue: Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah, Rabat, Morocco
Nigeria vs DR Congo -Where to Watch:
Sporty TV (broadcast)
FIFA+ and Sporty TV YouTube (live stream)
Team News
Nigeria will be without midfield anchor Wilfred Ndidi, suspended after accumulating two yellow cards. Frank Onyeka is expected to slot in, though the Brentford midfielder is also one caution away from a ban.
Star striker Victor Osimhen faces the same risk.
Under tournament regulations, yellow cards carry through until the World Cup, meaning two bookings across separate matches trigger an automatic suspension.
DR Congo, on the other hand, reports a fully fit squad. Match-winner Chancel Mbemba is the only player carrying a booking from the semifinal and will need to avoid another to keep himself eligible.
Nigeria vs DR Congo: Head-to-Head
Nigeria wins: 2
DR Congo wins: 3
Draws: 1
Prediction
DR Congo showed grit and defensive calm against Cameroon, but Nigeria’s multi-layered attack, led by Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Akor Adams, offers a far greater test. The Leopards are dangerous and well-drilled, yet the Super Eagles’ firepower and momentum may be decisive.
Predicted Score: Nigeria 3–1 DR Congo
