Nigeria Face DR Congo in Play-Off Final After Dramatic Semi-Final Victories

The Super Eagles will battle the Leopards of DR Congo on Sunday in Rabat after both teams claimed tense wins to reach the final stage of Africa’s 2026 World Cup qualifying playoffs.

Nigeria booked their place with a hard-fought 4–1 extra-time victory over Gabon at the Moulay Hassan Stadium, while DR Congo snatched a last-gasp 1–0 win over Cameroon in Rabat.

DR Congo captain Chancel Mbemba delivered the decisive moment of the night, steering in Brian Cipenga’s corner in first-half stoppage time to eliminate the Indomitable Lions and deny them a ninth World Cup appearance.

Cameroon, Africa’s most experienced World Cup campaigners, will now miss the expanded 48-team tournament after also losing the automatic qualifying spot to Cape Verde.

Earlier in the day, Nigeria was forced into extra time after Gabon struck a late equaliser. Akor Adams had edged the Eagles ahead in the 78th minute, but Mario Lemina’s deflected effort levelled the score with a minute left of normal time.

Chidera Ejuke restored Nigeria’s lead early in extra time with his first senior goal for the country before Victor Osimhen sealed the victory with two clinical finishes.

Sunday’s final will determine Africa’s representative at the six-team intercontinental play-off scheduled for Mexico in March 2026.

The winner of that global round will secure one of the last two slots for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.