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Nigeria v DR Congo: high-stakes play-off pits Osimhen’s firepower against Leopards’ steel

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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.

Head-to-head

The nations have met six times: DR Congo lead with three wins to Nigeria’s two, with one draw. The last meeting was a 1–1 friendly in 2018.

This is their first competitive encounter in more than half a century.

Past meetings

  • 05 Nov 1966: Nigeria 3–2 DR Congo

  • 26 Nov 1966: DR Congo 1–0 Nigeria

  • 27 Dec 1966: DR Congo 1–0 Nigeria

  • 03 Mar 2010: Nigeria 5–2 DR Congo

  • 08 Oct 2015: Nigeria 0–2 DR Congo

  • 28 May 2018: Nigeria 1–1 DR Congo

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 Napoli 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.