Rohr Tips Nigeria for Victory but Warns of DR Congo Threat

Benin Republic head coach Gernot Rohr has predicted that the Super Eagles will advance past DR Congo in Sunday’s decisive World Cup playoff in Rabat—though he insists the Leopards remain a real danger.

Rohr, who once managed Nigeria, correctly predicted that both sides would win their semi-final ties. Nigeria defeated Gabon 4-1 after extra time, while DR Congo edged Cameroon 1-0 through a dramatic late header.

The Franco-German coach believes the Super Eagles will “go through,” but warned that Congo’s physical strength and set-piece ability could trouble Nigeria’s push for a place in the 2026 intercontinental playoffs. According to The Nation, Rohr said:

Of course, Nigeria is the favourite but they must be careful… Congo has a physically strong team and are dangerous on set pieces… with good physical and mental strength.

Rohr maintains Nigeria have “better qualities collectively,” but stressed that Congo’s intensity cannot be underestimated.

Sunday’s clash is the final step in Africa’s route to the March 2026 intercontinental playoff, which offers only one ticket to the next round of World Cup qualifying. Victory keeps Nigeria’s World Cup hopes alive, while defeat ends their campaign.

Rohr—whose Benin side will face DR Congo in their opening AFCON match—said he will attend the match in Rabat. “Of course, we are going to watch the match… It’s important for us because we are playing our first game in the AFCON against DR Congo in December.” He also joked about seeing whether his prediction holds: “But we would see if my prediction that Nigeria would win will come through…”

Nigeria enter the match in strong form, winning five of their last six games. DR Congo arrive with confidence built on defensive organisation and set-piece efficiency, highlighted by Mbemba’s late winner against Cameroon.

Both teams have met only once competitively, a 2-0 Nigerian win at the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations.