Nigeria’s Super Eagles will face the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Leopards on Sunday night in Rabat in a decisive showdown that will determine Africa’s representative in the 2026 FIFA World Cup inter-confederation playoff. The match, scheduled for 8 p.m. at the Stade Prince Héritier Moulay Hassan, marks one of the continent’s most crucial fixtures of the year.
The fixture comes with enormous pressure on both teams. Nigeria is seeking qualification for the World Cup playoff as part of its effort to reach the global tournament for a seventh time. DR Congo, meanwhile, is chasing only its second appearance on the world stage, having last featured in 1974 when it competed as Zaire.
The Super Eagles arrive at the Rabat final after enduring a stressful and dramatic semi-final clash against Gabon. Nigeria struggled to find rhythm for most of Thursday’s encounter before capitalizing on a defensive error in the 78th minute, which allowed Akor Adams to break the deadlock for the three-time African champions.
Despite gaining the lead late in the game, Nigeria failed to maintain control. Gabon’s Mario Lemina punished the Eagles’ defensive lapse just one minute into stoppage time, sending the match into extra time and heightening anxiety among the Nigerian supporters who had already criticized the team’s inconsistent performances.
The tension deepened when star striker Victor Osimhen missed a glaring one-on-one chance that could have won the match in regulation time. The miss instantly became a talking point among analysts and fans, raising concerns about Nigeria’s composure in front of goal.
Osimhen, however, redeemed himself dramatically in extra time. After substitute Chidera Ejuke restored Nigeria’s lead, the Galatasaray forward struck twice to put the match out of reach, sealing a 4–1 victory and sending the Super Eagles into Sunday’s final.
Team officials say the squad has shifted focus quickly from the emotional semi-final to the more intimidating task ahead. The Leopards of DR Congo are expected to pose a more physical and disciplined challenge than Gabon, with analysts warning that any lapse in concentration could prove costly for Nigeria.
DR Congo enters the final with confidence, having displayed strong organization and a clinical sense of purpose in the earlier rounds of the playoff tournament. Their midfield structure and counterattacking precision have been central to their success.
As both sides prepare for the decisive encounter, the stakes extend far beyond the 90 minutes in Rabat. Sunday’s winner secures Africa’s sole position in the inter-confederation playoff, which will offer two final tickets to the 2026 World Cup. With the tournament only months away, this match represents the last major hurdle.
Supporters across Nigeria have expressed mixed feelings combining hope with anxiety as the team seeks redemption after missing out on the 2022 World Cup. For many, winning in Rabat is more than a sporting objective; it’s a matter of national pride.
The match is expected to attract massive regional and international viewership, with football observers framing it as one of the most significant knockout fixtures in African football this season. Whether Nigeria’s firepower or Congo’s resilience prevails will be decided under the floodlights in Rabat.
