Nigeria vs DR Congo: Preview, Team News, Prediction as Super Eagles and Leopards Decide World Cup Fate

Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo are set to face off in Rabat, Morocco on Sunday, with a coveted spot in the 2026 World Cup inter-confederation playoff on the line.

The Super Eagles are aiming for their seventh appearance at the global tournament, while the Leopards are chasing a return to the world stage for the first time since 1974.

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Nigeria secured their place in this crucial final with a dramatic 4-1 extra-time victory over Gabon on Thursday. The Super Eagles took a late lead through Akor Adams in the 78th minute, only to be pegged back by a Mario Lemina equaliser in stoppage time.

Despite a significant miss from Victor Osimhen late in regulation, the star striker redeemed himself with two goals in extra-time. Substitute Chidera Ejuke also found the net, sealing a hard-fought win for the three-time African champions.

This result continues Nigeria's impressive run, having won five of their last six matches. Their attack has been particularly potent, scoring 10 goals in their last three games while conceding only three, which should fill them with confidence heading into Sunday's showdown.

The Leopards of Congo DR also booked their final ticket in dramatic fashion, thanks to a stoppage-time winner from captain Chancel Mbemba against Cameroon. Sebastien Desabre's side has now recorded three consecutive 1-0 victories, a testament to their defensive resilience and ability to grind out results.

Congo DR will be hoping their solid defensive foundation can thwart Nigeria's high-powered offence as they seek to end a long World Cup drought. Their only previous appearance was in 1974 when the nation was known as Zaire.

While Nigeria holds a higher FIFA ranking (41st to Congo DR's 60th), the Leopards will not be intimidated, having just overcome a similarly-ranked Cameroon side. This will be the first competitive fixture between the two nations since a 1-1 friendly draw in 2018.

The Super Eagles will be forced into at least one change, as Wilfred Ndidi is suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards. Frank Onyeka is expected to step into the defensive midfield role. Semi Ajayi is available again after serving his own suspension, but coach Eric Chelle may stick with the centre-back pairing of Benjamin Fredrick and Calvin Bassey.

Up front, Victor Osimhen, who now has 31 international goals, will likely partner with Akor Adams once more. Chidera Ejuke's impactful performance off the bench against Gabon could see him earn more minutes, potentially challenging Ademola Lookman for a starting spot.

For DR Congo, coach Sebastien Desabre has a full squad to choose from, with no new injuries or suspensions reported after their win over Cameroon. This could mean an unchanged starting lineup, featuring a backline of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Chancel Mbemba, Axel Tuanzebe, and Edo Kayembe.

Real Betis striker Cedric Bakambu is expected to lead the line again as he looks to close in on Dieumerci Mbokani's all-time national scoring record.

This match presents a classic clash of styles: Nigeria's explosive attack against DR Congo’s organised and disciplined defence. While the Leopards have proven difficult to break down, the Super Eagles' superior firepower, led by an in-form Osimhen, may be the deciding factor in a tightly contested affair.

Nigeria's Super Eagles are widely expected to secure a victory in their upcoming match, largely due to their historical success and a roster that appears stronger on paper. The disciplined defence of the Leopards is anticipated to face a significant challenge in containing the potent attacking force of their opponents.

The match will kick off at 10pm East African time and will be live on SuperSport TV.

Nigeria: Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Fredrick, Bassey, Sanusi; Chukwueze, Onyeka, Iwobi, Lookman; Osimhen, Adams

DR Congo: Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Kayembe; Moutoussamy, Pickel, Sadiki; Mbuku, Bakambu, Bongonda