2026 FIFA World Cup Play-Off Final Preview: Super Eagles Face DR Congo in High-Stakes Rabat Clash

Posted : 15 November 2025

Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) are set to clash on Sunday night in Rabat for Africa’s final spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Intercontinental Playoff Finals, where two teams will advance to the World Cup next year.

The match, taking place at the Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay El Hassan, pits the Super Eagles against the Leopards, who last appeared on football’s biggest stage in 1974.

Nigeria stormed past Gabon 4-1 in Thursday’s semi-final, with Akor Adams opening the scoring and Chidera Ejuke restoring the lead in extra time before Victor Osimhen completed a brace. Meanwhile, DR Congo stunned Cameroon with a stoppage-time goal from Chancel Mbemba, securing a 1-0 win and a place in the final.

The Leopards, two-time African champions in 1968 and 1974, are eager to return to the World Cup after a long absence, while the Super Eagles aim for their seventh appearance since 1994.

The DR Congo side is managed by 49-year-old Frenchman Sébastien Desabre, whose experience includes stints with Wydad Athletic Club in Morocco and several North African and Egyptian clubs. On the other side, Nigeria is led by 48-year-old Franco-Malian Éric Sékou Chelle, who remains unbeaten in five competitive matches with the Super Eagles.

Chelle must navigate the final without deputy captain Wilfred Ndidi, suspended after receiving a second yellow card, but he retains options in midfield with Raphael Onyedika or Frank Onyeka, who shored up the team in extra time against Gabon.

Up front, Victor Osimhen continues to impress and is poised to challenge Rashidi Yekini’s all-time goal record for Nigeria. Other attacking options include Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Akor Adams, Chidera Ejuke, Tolu Arokodare, and 90-cap veteran Simon Moses.

DR Congo’s side, led by captain Chancel Mbemba, boasts a strong backline and attacking threats such as Cédric Bakambu, Meshack Elia, Samuel Essende, and Pyramids FC forward Fiston Mayele. With Nigeria and Panama the highest-ranked teams among the six nations in the Intercontinental Playoffs, a win on Sunday would leave the victor just one step away from securing a World Cup spot.

2026 FIFA World Cup Play-Off Final Preview: Super Eagles Face DR Congo in High-Stakes Rabat Clash

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