Nigeria will face DR Congo in the decisive African play-off for a place in the 2026 World Cup intercontinental play-offs.
A win in Sunday’s match will send the Super Eagles into the next qualification stage scheduled for March.
DR Congo reached the final after beating Cameroon 1-0, with Chancel Mbemba scoring late in Rabat. Nigeria booked their spot with a 4-1 extra-time win over Gabon.
Form Guide
Nigeria have won four of their last five matches, dropping points only in the draw against South Africa in September.
DR Congo also has four wins in their last five games, losing once to Senegal.
Team Updates
Wilfred Ndidi is cleared to play after CAF ruled that his yellow card from the Gabon match would not count towards suspension.
Defender Semi Ajayi is also available after serving a one-match ban.
Victor Osimhen, with five goals in his last two appearances, is expected to lead the attack again.
For DR Congo, key players include Mbemba, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Cedric Bakambu and Axel Tuanzebe.
Head-to-head
Both sides have met six times. Nigeria have two wins, DR Congo have three, and one match ended in a draw.
Match Details
Competition: CAF World Cup play-offs final
Date: November 16, 2025
Time: 8pm (WAT)
What’s at Stake
The match is a straight knockout. The winner will advance to the intercontinental play-offs in March, where Africa’s 10th World Cup slot will be decided.
Only 90 minutes will decide who moves one step closer to the World Cup.
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