Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo are set for a dramatic showdown in the final of the African playoff round for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The winner of this decisive match in Rabat will move on to March’s inter-continental playoff, where six teams will compete for just two remaining World Cup spots.
The Super Eagles booked their place in the final after a thrilling 4–1 extra-time victory over Gabon. The semi-final, held at Stade Prince Moulay Hassan, was far from straightforward. Nigeria took the lead in the 78th minute when Akor Adams pounced on a defensive mistake by Gabon, calmly rounding the goalkeeper before slotting the ball home. Just as victory seemed within reach, Gabon’s Mario Lemina levelled matters in the 89th minute, converting a deflected shot to force the game into extra time.
Extra time turned in Nigeria’s favour. Chidera Ejuke restored the lead with a composed finish after a perfectly weighted pass from Wilfred Ndidi. Then Victor Osimhen, having missed earlier opportunities, silenced any hopes of a Gabon comeback with two clinical strikes; first in the 102nd minute, then a solo effort in the 110th minute, to seal a dominant finish for his side.
Osimhen’s performance came at a time of tension off the pitch, as the team had resolved a player-federation dispute over unpaid bonuses only a day before the semi-final. Captained by William Troost-Ekong, the squad refocused quickly and executed under pressure.
Meanwhile, DR Congo advanced to their first playoff final in years after pulling off a dramatic 1–0 win over Cameroon. The decisive moment came in stoppage time when captain Chancel Mbemba met a well-placed corner at the back post and powered a header into the net. Despite the rain and mounting pressure, the Leopards held firm until the final moments, then erupted when Mbemba’s goal turned the match on its head.
For Cameroon, hoping to return to the World Cup stage after missing out on recent qualification cycles, it was a bitter exit. Their forwards had opportunities, but DR Congo’s defense proved disciplined and resolute throughout.
Both teams now face a winner-takes-all final in Rabat. For Nigeria, it’s a chance to edge closer to their seventh World Cup appearance in the last nine editions. For DR Congo, it’s a rare opportunity to go beyond the continent and into the inter-continental playoff, a path that could take them to football’s biggest stage.
Victory on Sunday would not just be a triumph for either side, it could reshape the next phase of African representation in the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The stakes couldn’t be higher.
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