World Cup
Super Eagles Face DR Congo’s Centurion Captain Mbemba — The Man Nigeria Must Watch
By Kunle Solaja.
As Nigeria prepare for Sunday night’s high-stakes FIFA World Cup qualifying play-off final against DR Congo in Rabat, one name stands out in the Congolese lineup — Chancel Mbemba. For the Super Eagles, stopping the 30-year-old defence marshal could prove just as important as breaking down the Congolese attack.
He was in the DR Congo team that beat the Super Eagles in a friendly match played at the Stade de la Cité de l’Oie, Visé in Belgium in 2015.
Mbemba, the inspirational captain of the Leopards, reached a historic milestone last Thursday when he earned his 100th international cap in DR Congo’s semi-final victory over Cameroon. And he marked the occasion in heroic fashion.
With the match heading for extra time, the former Olympique Marseille defender stepped up in the final seconds of added time, smashing home the only goal of the game and sending DR Congo into Sunday’s final.
Even more remarkably, he delivered that decisive moment after playing the entire second half under the shadow of a possible expulsion, having been booked before halftime.
His performance embodied the grit and resilience that have defined this Congolese generation — qualities Nigeria must be wary of.
“I am experiencing this moment thanks to the work, rigour and discipline that I strive to apply every day. Nothing has been easy, but each step has made me stronger,” Mbemba wrote on his social media handle, as reported by DR Congo daily Actualité.
For Nigerian fans, Mbemba’s influence is not unfamiliar. He has faced Nigeria several times across youth and senior categories, always displaying calm leadership and a knack for rising in big moments.
Coming through the ranks at FC MK in Kinshasa, Mbemba represents a rarity in Congolese football — a player developed entirely on home soil who rose to elite European status.
Today, he is widely regarded as one of Africa’s finest defenders, with his remarkable discipline and consistency placing him among the continent’s most respected captains.
As the Super Eagles aim to extend their World Cup dream, they will have to deal not only with DR Congo’s attacking threats but with the commanding presence of their centurion skipper.
Mbemba is the heartbeat of the Leopards — organiser in defence, motivator in the dressing room, and, as Cameroon discovered, a match-winner when it matters most.
On Sunday, Nigeria will need focus, precision, and vigilance. And at the centre of that vigilance will be Chancel Mbemba.
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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK
Uruguay will look to maintain their unbeaten FIFA World Cup record against African opposition when they take on tournament debutants Cabo Verde in a crucial Group H encounter on Sunday.
The two-time world champions face a Cabo Verde side brimming with confidence after the island nation earned a remarkable goalless draw against Spain in their previous outing, one of the biggest results in their football history.
Uruguay have never lost to an African team at the World Cup, recording three victories and two draws in five previous meetings. However, the South Americans know they cannot afford complacency against a Cabo Verde side that has already demonstrated its ability to frustrate established football powers.
For Cabo Verde, the match represents another opportunity to enhance their growing reputation on the global stage. The Blue Sharks impressed observers with their disciplined defensive display against Spain and will be eager to prove that result was no fluke.
Uruguay, meanwhile, will rely on their vast World Cup experience as they seek maximum points and a stronger foothold in the race for a place in the knockout rounds.
With confidence high in both camps, the clash promises to be a fascinating contest between one of football’s traditional giants and one of the tournament’s most inspiring newcomers.
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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK
Spain will attempt to strengthen their position in Group H when they face Saudi Arabia in a FIFA World Cup encounter that rekindles memories of their previous meeting two decades ago.
The two nations last met at the World Cup during the 2006 tournament in Germany, when a solitary goal from Juanito secured a 1-0 victory for Spain in Kaiserslautern.
La Roja enter the fixture determined to return to winning ways after being held to a surprise draw by tournament debutants Cabo Verde. The Spanish side will be keen to avoid another setback as the group stage enters a decisive phase.
Saudi Arabia, however, have ambitions of creating history. The Green Falcons are seeking their first World Cup victory against European opposition since their memorable 1-0 triumph over Belgium at the 1994 tournament in the United States.
A positive result would significantly boost Saudi Arabia’s hopes of progressing to the knockout stage while adding another notable chapter to their World Cup story.
With both teams aware of the importance of the fixture, Sunday’s encounter could prove pivotal in shaping the final Group H standings.
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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK
Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois stands on the brink of history as the Red Devils prepare to face Iran in a crucial Group G match at the FIFA World Cup.
The veteran shot-stopper could equal Belgium’s record of 17 World Cup appearances if selected, underlining his status as one of the country’s most enduring and influential players.
Belgium will be looking for a strong performance as they continue their quest for qualification from a competitive group, but they face an Iranian side buoyed by the form of defender-turned-goalscorer Ramin Rezaeian.
Rezaeian has emerged as one of Iran’s most surprising attacking weapons and is aiming to score in a fourth consecutive international match, a feat that would further enhance his growing reputation.
The clash pits Belgium’s experience and pedigree against Iran’s determination and resilience, with both teams fully aware that a positive result could prove decisive in the battle for a place in the knockout rounds.
As the stakes rise in Group G, individual milestones and team ambitions are set to collide in what promises to be an intriguing contest.
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