Nigeria’s Super Eagles will battle DR Congo today for a place in the Intercontinental Play-offs as the race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup intensifies.
Both sides endured tense semi-final outings. Nigeria were dragged into extra time before eventually overpowering Gabon, while DR Congo survived a late scare to edge Cameroon in the dying seconds. Sunday’s showdown now promises fireworks, with two talented squads fighting for one golden opportunity.
Nigeria entered the qualifying series as favourites, boasting one of the strongest squads on the continent. But the journey has been far from smooth. The Super Eagles dropped key points against Benin, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, placing their qualification hopes in jeopardy.
Eritrea’s withdrawal eventually opened a pathway to the play-offs, and Frank Onyeka’s dramatic 90th-minute goal sealed Nigeria’s spot. Their semi-final win over Gabon told two contrasting stories: total first-half dominance followed by a more balanced second half. Despite creating numerous chances in regulation time, Nigeria needed extra-time brilliance to claim a 4–1 victory.
DR Congo also feel unlucky not to have qualified directly. They led their group until matchday 8, but a 3–2 defeat to Senegal ultimately cost them. Despite collecting 22 points, they finished two shy of first place.
The Leopards regained confidence by knocking out Cameroon, thanks to a late Chancel Mbemba strike. With their last World Cup appearance dating back to 1974—when the nation was known as Zaire—DR Congo’s motivation is sky-high.
Nigeria head into Sunday’s fixture on a nine-game unbeaten run, winning six and drawing three since March. DR Congo, meanwhile, have won four of their last five matches, with their only recent defeat coming against Senegal.
