Nigeria and DR Congo face off on Sunday night in Rabat to decide who progresses to the inter-confederation playoff for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Super Eagles and the Leopards arrive at this African playoff final armed with contrasting histories, divergent styles, and the shared burden of knowing that only one of them moves a step closer to North America 2026.
Here are ten key things to know before the biggest 90 minutes of their qualifying campaign.
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1. A ticket to the inter-confederation showdown is on the line
The winner will be Africa’s sole representative at the inter-confederation playoff next year. For Nigeria, it is the chance to chase a seventh World Cup appearance; for DR Congo, the hope of ending a 52-year absence since their lone 1974 outing as Zaire.
Talking of fixtures… DR Congo next up for Nigeria! #SoarSuperEagles #Naija4TheWin #FIFAWCQ2026 pic.twitter.com/JnqvzftbAz
— Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) November 15, 2025
2. Nigeria took the scenic, chaotic route to the final
True to tradition, the Super Eagles made qualification harder than it needed to be, requiring extra time to subdue Gabon in Thursday’s semi-final. Nigeria had enough chances to win in regulation time but where forced to a 1-1 draw before triumphing 4-1 in extra time. A late collapse, a last-minute Osimhen miss, then a three-goal blitz in extra time could only have been a chaos sponsored by Nigeria.
3. DR Congo arrive as Africa’s card-carrying specialists in one-goal wins
The Leopards edged Cameroon courtesy of Chancel Mbemba’s stoppage-time smash. Their last three matches have been won by a single goal; a run built on organisation, grit, and an unshakeable belief in defending as a collective religion.
4. The numbers favour Nigeria, but only slightly
Nigeria have won five of their last six, scoring ten times and conceding three across their past three outings. DR Congo, meanwhile, boast five wins in six World Cup qualifiers. Form may be fickle, but both arrive buzzing.
5. First competitive meeting, seven years in the making
This is the second competitive clash between the Super Eagles and the Leopards. Nigeria won the first one, a 2-0 victory in the quarterfinals of the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations.
Overall, both nations have met seven times, with Nigeria and DR Congo claiming three wins each. The only stalemate across their seven previous meetings was a 1-1 friendly draw in 2018, the last time both teams faced off.
CONGO DR STUN CAMEROON IN STOPPAGE TIME AND ADVANCE TO THE FINAL
THEY WILL FACE NIGERIA FOR A SPOT IN THE INTER-CONFEDERATION PLAYOFFS ON SUNDAY ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/QFtNQhLDiO
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 13, 2025
6. Victor Osimhen is chasing Yekini’s record
After his extra-time brace against Gabon, Osimhen now sits on 31 goals, six behind Rashidi Yekini’s revered national record. His presence alongside Akor Adams gives Nigeria one of Africa’s deadliest front twos.
7. No Ndidi?
CAF has confirmed that Wilfred Ndidi will be available for Nigeria despite receiving a yellow card against Gabon on Thursday.
Eric Chelle is therefore likely to stick with the same XI, save for the possible temptation to reward Chidera Ejuke’s match-changing cameo.
8. DR Congo have stability and Wan-Bissaka
The Leopards have no suspensions and are expected to retain their Cameroon lineup.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka locks down the right, Mbemba partners Axel Tuanzebe in central defence, and Cedric Bakambu, two goals short of Dieumerci Mbokani’s record, leads the line.
9. Nigeria rank 19 spots above Congo but underdogs bite hardest
Nigeria sit 41st in the FIFA World rankings; DR Congo sit 60th. But having just eliminated 54th-ranked Cameroon, the Leopards arrive armed with momentum and an underdog swagger that suits them.
10. A continent will be watching and you can too
GOtv and SuperSport will broadcast the tie, while SportyTV and FIFA+ offer streaming options. Kick-off is 20:00 WAT at Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah. Footynaija.com will bring you all the important news before, during and after the encounter.
