Nigeria and DR Congo are set to clash on November 16, 2025, at Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah, Rabat in the CAF World Cup Qualifying Playoff Final, with kick-off set for 11 PM EAT.
The winner secures Africa’s last slot for the March 2026 Intercontinental Playoff, a decisive step toward the expanded FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
This match determines whether Nigeria’s Super Eagles earn a seventh World Cup appearance or DR Congo’s Leopards return to the global stage for the first time since Zaire 1974.
The stakes could not be higher as victory means survival in the tightly contested qualification race while defeat means heartbreak and a four-year wait for another chance.
Nigeria vs DR Congo Record
Nigeria and the DR Congo have met six times in all competitions, with the record tilting slightly in favor of the Leopards.
DR Congo has three wins, Nigeria has two, and there has been one draw, with 24 goals scored across the six encounters.
The most recent meeting took place in 2018, ending in a 1-1 draw during a friendly match in Port Harcourt.
Nigeria’s biggest victory was a 5-2 triumph in 2010, while DR Congo’s most notable success was a 2-0 win in 2015, a result that underlined their ability to trouble the Super Eagles.
Nigeria enters the playoff ranked 41st in the world and 5th in Africa, thanks to their consistent presence among the continent’s elite.
The Super Eagles have featured in six World Cups since 1994, reaching the Round of 16 three times.
DR Congo stands at 60th globally and 11th in Africa according to the latest FIFA rankings, a position that signifies their resurgence under coach Sébastien Desabre.
Road to the Playoff Final
Nigeria
The Super Eagles finished second in Group C behind South Africa with 17 points from 10 matches, scoring 15 goals and conceding 8.
Their campaign included a decisive 4–0 win over Benin in Uyo, which sealed a playoff spot.
Nigeria then faced Gabon in the semifinal in Rabat.
After a tense 90 minutes that ended 1–1, they exploded in extra time to win 4–1, courtesy of goals from Akor Adams, Chidera Ejuke, and a brace from Victor Osimhen, a victory that set up tonight’s final against DR Congo.
Victor Osimhen, the Napoli striker, remains Nigeria’s biggest weapon.
Fresh from scoring twice against Gabon in the semifinal, Osimhen’s pace and finishing will surely test DR Congo’s backline.
Erick Chelle, Nigeria’s head coach, has stated that his team is capable of winning the game and downplayed rumours of internal dressing room conflicts.
“We know the weight of this match. Our focus is clear: finish the job. The players understand what qualifying means for the country. We’ve prepared for every scenario, and we’re ready to impose our game.”
DR Congo
The Leopards finished second in Group B, behind Senegal, after a disciplined qualifying run that included wins over Sudan, Togo, and Mauritania.
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Their playoff semifinal against Cameroon was a tightly contested battle that was decided in stoppage time.
Chancel Mbemba, on his 100th cap, scored from a corner in the 91st minute to secure a 1–0 win for DR Congo and a place in the playoff final.
DR Congo now stands one match away from ending a 51-year World Cup absence.
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Sébastien Desabre has expressed his confidence in DR Congo’s squad and stated that his team still retains the momentum that enabled them to reach the playoff finals.
“Nigeria is strong, but we will fight for every ball. This team believes in making history. We’ve shown discipline throughout the qualifiers, and tonight is about courage and execution. We respect Nigeria, but we fear no one.”
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