Nigeria vs DR Congo: High-Stakes Showdown For World Cup Lifeline

Nigeria and DR Congo will battle for a place in next year’s inter-confederation World Cup play-off when they meet in Sunday’s decisive qualifier in Rabat.

The Super Eagles head into the final buoyed by their dramatic 4–1 extra-time win over Gabon, a match that swung wildly before goals from Chidera Ejuke and a Victor Osimhen brace sealed the victory. The build-up, however, has not been smooth; players briefly halted training earlier in the week over unpaid allowances.

DR Congo booked their own spot in equally dramatic fashion, with captain Chancel Mbemba scoring a stoppage-time winner to edge Cameroon 1–0 and end the Indomitable Lions’ bid for a ninth World Cup appearance. The Congolese are chasing just their second-ever World Cup ticket, having last appeared in 1974.

The winner on Sunday will advance to the inter-confederation playoff in Mexico, where two final places at the expanded 2026 World Cup will be decided.

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

Where to Watch

TV: Sporty TV
Livestream: FIFA+ and Sporty TV’s official YouTube channel

Team News

Nigeria:
The Super Eagles will be without Wilfred Ndidi, who is suspended due to card accumulation. Frank Onyeka is set to step in but must avoid another booking to stay eligible. Victor Osimhen also enters the match one yellow card away from suspension, with tournament rules carrying cards through to the World Cup.

DR Congo:
Sebastien Desabre’s squad is fully fit. Mbemba, their semifinal match-winner, must avoid a second caution but is available to start.

Prediction

Nigeria’s firepower—led by Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Akor Adams—may prove too strong for DR Congo despite the Leopards’ resilient display against Cameroon.

Prediction: Nigeria 3–1 DR Congo

Head-to-Head

• Nigeria wins: 2

• DR Congo wins: 3

• Draws: 1