Super Eagles To Face DR Congo In High-Stakes World Cup Playoff Final

14 Nov 2025, 06:14 by Ernest Victor · Naija News

Super Eagles of Nigeria and DR Congo will battle for a place in the 2026 World Cup after both sides pulled off dramatic wins in Rabat to reach the final of the Africa playoff series.

DR Congo booked their ticket by edging Cameroon 1-0 in a tense encounter at the Stade El Barid. The match looked set for extra time until Chancel Mbemba produced a moment of calm in the chaos.

The Leopards captain slipped away from his marker and guided home Brian Cipenga’s corner in the first minute of stoppage time, silencing the Cameroonian bench and knocking out the five-time African champions.

The defeat means Cameroon, who hold the record for the most World Cup appearances by an African team, will not be part of the expanded 48-team tournament next year. Their hopes had already taken a hit when they lost the automatic ticket to Cape Verde, a side heading to the Mundial for the first time.

Naija News reports that Nigeria had earlier punched their ticket to the playoff final after a 4-1 win over Gabon at the Moulay Hassan Stadium. The Super Eagles looked on course for a straightforward finish when Akor Adams struck in the 78th minute, but Mario Lemina dragged Gabon level with a deflected strike just moments before full-time.

The late setback did not derail Nigeria’s momentum. Chidera Ejuke put the Eagles back in front in extra time with his first goal for the national team. Victor Osimhen then took control of the contest, scoring twice to secure a convincing win and send Nigeria through.

Both sides now turn their attention to Sunday’s final in Morocco. The winner will advance to a six-team intercontinental playoff in Mexico in March 2026. That final round will decide the last two nations that will join the World Cup party in the United States, Canada and Mexico.