2026 World Cup Qualifiers Playoffs: DR Congo Coach Sébastien Desabre Says Nigeria Remains Africa’s Best Ahead of World Cup Playoff Final

Democratic Republic of Congo head coach Sébastien Desabre has heaped praise on the Super Eagles ahead of Sunday’s decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff final, describing Nigeria as the top team on the continent while expressing confidence in his own side’s steady rise.

Speaking to actualite.cd, Desabre acknowledged the gap that still exists between the Leopards and Africa’s elite teams but emphasized that his squad has made significant progress in recent years.

“Nigeria remains the best in Africa. We know we still have room for improvement against teams ranked ahead of us in the FIFA rankings,” he said.

Desabre highlighted the experience within his squad and the long-term project that has shaped the team’s development.

“We have experienced players. What we’re putting in place hasn’t happened overnight. We’ve been working for three years to be capable and strong against teams like Cameroon and to beat teams like that. We know we’re progressing to qualify for a World Cup.”

According to the French coach, DR Congo’s ambitions stretch beyond the current playoff campaign.
“The ultimate goal within six years is to finish in the top nine at least. We’re making progress, we’ve taken a good step today, and we’ll have a team against Nigeria to show what we’re capable of.”

Desabre expects a completely different challenge against the Super Eagles but insists his players will give everything on the pitch.

“It will be a different kind of match. Whatever happens, we’re going to give it our all. Against Senegal, we were five minutes away from the World Cup. We took a few steps back.”

The Leopards earned their place in the final by shocking the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon 1–0 on Thursday night at the Barid Stadium in Rabat. They will now face Nigeria on Sunday at the Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex, with a coveted ticket to the 2026 World Cup on the line.