Nigeria’s Super Eagles and the Leopards of DR Congo will clash on Sunday night in Rabat for Africa’s lone ticket to the six-team 2026 FIFA World Cup Intercontinental Play-off Finals in March, the final hurdle before next year’s Mundial in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
The high-stakes showdown at the Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay El Hassan pits a DR Congo side chasing a first World Cup appearance since 1974 against a Super Eagles team aiming for a seventh World Cup ticket since 1994.
Nigeria entered the final with momentum, having overwhelmed Gabon 4-1 in extra time during Thursday’s semi-final. DR Congo, on the other hand, edged Cameroon 1-0 thanks to Chancel Mbemba’s dramatic late header.
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The Leopards, AFCON champions in 1968 and 1974, are seeking redemption after their nightmarish outing at the 1974 World Cup, where they exited the group stage without a point, including a 9-0 defeat to Yugoslavia.
In contrast, the Super Eagles have reached the Round of 16 three times in their six previous appearances and famously topped a group featuring Argentina in their debut in 1994.
On the touchline, both teams are guided by tacticians with deep African football experience. DR Congo coach Sébastien Desabre has coached extensively in North Africa, while Nigeria’s Eric Chelle remains unbeaten in five competitive matches.
His record, four wins, one draw, 14 goals scored and four conceded, has raised confidence that Nigeria can finish the job.
However, the Eagles will be without deputy captain Wilfred Ndidi, who is suspended after picking up a second yellow card. Chelle has options in midfield, with Raphael Onyedika or Frank Onyeka poised to step in, while Semi Ajayi is available again after suspension.
Upfront, Nigeria possess immense firepower. Victor Osimhen, who scored a brace against Gabon, continues his chase for Rashidi Yekini’s all-time national record of 37 goals. The Napoli striker now has 31 goals and 12 assists in 45 games.
He will be supported by a rich attacking cast including Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Akor Adams, Chidera Ejuke, and Tolu Arokodare.
But the Eagles must stay alert. DR Congo’s captain Chancel Mbemba, along with Brian Cipenga, Noah Sadiki, Silas Katompa, Cédric Bakambu, Meshack Elia, Samuel Essende, and Pyramids FC striker Fiston Mayele, remain potent threats in a well-organised Congolese team.
Whoever triumphs on Sunday will join Bolivia and New Caledonia in March’s Intercontinental Playoffs, with Iraq, Jamaica and Panama also in contention. Nigeria and Panama are the highest-ranked among the teams expected, which means they would be seeded to play only the final round — one match to secure a World Cup ticket.
For the Super Eagles, it is simple: win in Rabat, and the dream of returning to the 2026 World Cup remains alive. Lose, and the journey ends.
