Nigeria vs DR Congo: Preview, Team News, and Head-to-Head

Nigeria and DR Congo will face off on Sunday at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat, with a place in the 2026 World Cup inter-confederation playoff on the line. Both teams arrive with momentum: Nigeria sealed a dramatic 4-1 extra-time win over Gabon, while DR Congo edged Cameroon 1-0 thanks to a stoppage-time strike from Chancel Mbemba.

The Super Eagles survived a late scare in their quarterfinal. Akor Adams capitalised on a defensive mistake to give Nigeria the lead in the 78th minute, but Mario Lemina levelled in the 89th through a deflected effort. In extra time, Chidera Ejuke restored Nigeria’s lead before Victor Osimhen struck twice to secure the win.

DR Congo’s path was tighter but equally dramatic. Mbemba’s late goal stunned Cameroon, sending the Leopards into a decisive meeting with Nigeria. The winner will progress to next year’s inter-confederation playoffs in Mexico, where the final two slots for the 2026 World Cup will be decided.

This will be the seventh meeting between the sides. DR Congo hold a slight edge with three wins to Nigeria’s two, while their most recent encounter — a 2018 friendly — ended 1-1.

Nigeria will be without Wilfred Ndidi, who is suspended after reaching the yellow-card limit. Frank Onyeka is expected to replace him in Eric Chelle’s midfield setup. Osimhen, now on 31 international goals, continues his chase of Rashidi Yekini’s all-time record of 37.

DR Congo have no injury or suspension worries. Aaron Wan-Bissaka is set to feature at right-back, while Cédric Bakambu leads the attack.

Although DR Congo showed strong defensive discipline against Cameroon, they will face a far greater attacking test against a Nigerian side packed with firepower and confidence.