Nigeria and DR Congo meet in Rabat on Sunday for Africa’s solitary ticket to the inter-confederation play-off for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Super Eagles arrive on a surge after a 4–1 extra-time win over Gabon; the Leopards come in hardened by a stoppage-time defeat of Cameroon.

It is a clash of contrasting strengths: Nigeria’s cutting edge led by Victor Osimhen against a DR Congo back line marshalled by captain Chancel Mbemba and new recruit Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

The fixture is on neutral soil, removing home advantage and sharpening the tactical margins.

For Nigeria, it is a step toward a seventh World Cup appearance. For DR Congo, it is a chance to edge closer to a first finals since 1974 (as Zaire).

Form and route to the final

Eric Chelle’s side were pushed to the brink by Gabon before substitutes swung the tie.

Chidera Ejuke’s strike restored the lead in extra time and Osimhen finished with a ruthless brace.

Nigeria have now won five of their last six matches in all competitions and have scored 10 goals across their most recent three.

Sébastien Desabre’s Leopards showed a different pathway, strangling Cameroon’s threat before Mbemba arrived at the far post to settle a tense semi-final 1–0.

DR Congo have won three straight by a single goal, a sequence built on defensive order and quick counters.

Team news and likely XIs

Nigeria’s midfield received a boost: Wilfred Ndidi is available after clarification that accumulated cautions from the group phase do not carry into the play-offs (only existing suspensions apply).

Semi Ajayi also returns from a one-game ban and strengthens centre-back options alongside breakout teenager Benjamin Fredrick and Calvin Bassey.

Ejuke’s game-changing cameo has created a selection debate with Ademola Lookman for a wide role, while Akor Adams may again partner Osimhen up front.

For DR Congo, Desabre has no fresh injuries or suspensions and could retain the XI that beat Cameroon.

Wan-Bissaka continues at right-back, Mbemba and Axel Tuanzebe anchor central defence, with Arthur Masuaku offering thrust from the left.

Upfield, Cédric Bakambu is expected to spearhead the attack, with pace and invention from Theo Bongonda and young No10s such as Ngal’ayel Mukau in support.

Nigeria possible XI: Nwabili; Osayi-Samuel, Fredrick, Bassey, Sanusi; Onyeka, Ndidi, Iwobi; Lookman/Ejuke, Osimhen, Adams.
DR Congo possible XI: Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Masuaku/Kayembe; Moutoussamy, Pickel; Bongonda, Mbuku/Mukau, Sadiki; Bakambu.

Key battles

• Osimhen v Mbemba/Tuanzebe: the Galatasaray striker’s explosive runs against a disciplined, aerially strong pairing.
• Nigeria’s left channel v Wan-Bissaka: the Premier League full-back has tightened DR Congo’s right side; Osimhen’s drifting and Sanusi’s overlaps will test him.
• Transitions: Nigeria’s front line thrives when Iwobi finds early passes; DR Congo are dangerous when Bongonda and Bakambu break into space.

What to expect

Nigeria will try to raise the tempo and pin the Leopards back with width and pressure, while DR Congo will trust their shape, seek set-pieces and be clinical on the break.

With neither side enjoying home comforts in Morocco and both managers favouring risk-controlled football in knockout games, a tight contest is likely.

If it opens up late, Nigeria’s bench depth—Ejuke, Samuel Chukwueze and fresh legs at centre-back—could tilt it; if it stays cagey, DR Congo’s nous in one-goal games keeps the door wide open.

On Sunday night in Rabat, everything will come down to 90 minutes — perhaps more. At stake is a spot in the intercontinental play-off, scheduled from 23 to 31 March 2026 in Guadalajara and Monterrey, Mexico.

-Cafonline

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By Kunle Solaja

As Nigeria and DR Congo prepare for Sunday’s crucial FIFA World Cup qualifying play-off in Rabat, both teams are urged to approach the contest with caution — and for good reason. Moroccan referee Jayed Jalal, known for his strict interpretation of the rules and no-nonsense control of matches, will take charge of the encounter.

Jalal, 38, has built a reputation for assertive officiating, often stamping his authority early to maintain discipline. In his last two international assignments, he issued a combined 13 yellow cards, underlining his readiness to sanction infringements.

During Namibia’s goalless draw with Cameroon in last November’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, Jalal flashed five yellow cards. Prior to that, he oversaw Angola’s 2–1 victory over Sudan, a match that produced eight bookings.

The Super Eagles are already familiar with the Moroccan’s stern approach. Jalal officiated Nigeria’s 2–0 away win over Rwanda, cautioning Wilfred Ndidi in the 49th minute and Alex Iwobi in the 90th minute.

He also handled last year’s friendly between Ghana and Nigeria in Marrakech, during which he issued four yellow cards and a straight red card to Ghana’s Jerome Opoku in the 56th minute.

Nigeria’s youth teams have also felt the weight of his authority. In a U-20 clash between Nigeria and Senegal last February, Jalal produced four yellow cards, including a second booking to Ahmed Abdulahi, who was sent off in the 90th minute.

He was also the fourth official at FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile when Nigeria faced Argentina in the Round of 16.

SANTIAGO, CHILE – OCTOBER 08: Nigeria assistant coach gives the Video System Support blue card request to fourth official Jalal Jayed during the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025 Round of 16 match between Argentina and Nigeria at Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos on October 08, 2025 in Santiago, Chile. (Photo by Buda Mendes – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

For Sunday’s showdown, Jalal will be supported by compatriots Mustapha Akarkad (Assistant Referee 1) and Zakaria Bernissi (Assistant Referee 2), while Mahrez El Malki of Tunisia serves as Fourth Official. The VAR crew will be led by Lahlou Benbraham of Algeria, assisted by Haitham Guirat of Tunisia.

SANTIAGO, CHILE – OCTOBER 11: Referee Jalal Jayed shows a yellow card to Milton Delgado of Argentina during the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025 quarter-final match between Mexico and Argentina at Estadio Nacional Julio Martinez Pradanos on October 11, 2025 in Santiago, Chile. (Photo by Martín Fonseca/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)

With a World Cup dream on the line and a strict referee in charge, both Nigeria and DR Congo will need to keep their discipline in check.

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By Kunle Solaja.

If the Super Eagles edge out DR Congo from the 2026 World Cup qualifying series this Sunday, that will take Coach Eric Chelle’s unbeaten streak with the team to 11, the longest by any manager of the Nigerian national team coach in recent time.

The 2-0 defeat of Rwanda on 21 March was Nigeria’s first win of a World Cup qualifying match since the 2-0 defeat of Liberia on 13 November 2021 in Tangier, Morocco. Nigeria thus went on a no-win streak of seven World Cup qualifying matches spanning 1,224 days (three years, four months and eight days).

Of the past 10 matches that the Super Eagles under Chelle have gone unbeaten, six have been outright wins while four were drawn.

Since his debut with the team in a 2-0 away win in Rwanda, Nigeria’s quest for World Cup qualification came back on track after an initial set-back.

A defeat of DR Congo takes the Super Eagles almost within just a match to picking the qualification ticket as either the 47^th or 48^th qualifier.

Emerging as Africa’s candidate at the intercontinental play-off in Mexico will see the team as one of the two highest ranked of the six contestants.

They will only be required to play just a match to qualify. A win this Sunday will provide a tonic for possible good outing at next month’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

ÉRIC SÉKOU CHELLE’S SUPER EAGLES DIARY

21 Mar 2025: Rwanda 0-2 Nigeria (FIFA World Cup Q: Kigali)

25 Mar 2025: Nigeria 1-1 Zimbabwe (FIFA World Cup Q: Uyo)

28 May 2025: Nigeria 2-1 Ghana (Unity Cup: London)

31 May 2025: Jamaica 2-2 Nigeria (Unity Cup: London)

. Nigeria win 5-4 on penalties to retain the trophy

06 Jun 2025: Russia 1-1 Nigeria (Friendly: Moscow)

06 Sep 2025: Nigeria 1-0 Rwanda (FIFA World Cup Q: Uyo)

09 Sep 2025: South Africa 1-1 Nigeria (FIFA World Cup Q: Bloemfontein)

10 Oct 2025: Lesotho 1-2 Nigeria (FIFA World Cup Q: Polokwane)

14 Oct 2025: Nigeria 4-0 Bénin Republic (FIFA World Cup Q: Uyo)

13 Nov 2025: Gabon 1-4 Nigeria (FIFA World Cup Playoff: Rabat)

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