Nigeria vs DR Congo: Playoff Final Preview, Team News, Kick-off, Referee, Head-to-Head, Prediction
Nigeria’s journey to the World Cup has been anything but straightforward, yet the Super Eagles once again showcased their resilience in the semi-final against Gabon.
Akor Adams opened the scoring in the 78th minute after capitalising on a defensive lapse, only for Mario Lemina to equalise deep into stoppage time.
Victor Osimhen missed a golden chance to seal the win in regulation but redeemed himself in extra time, netting twice after Chidera Ejuke had restored Nigeria’s lead. The thrilling 4–1 victory underlined both Nigeria’s fighting spirit and attacking firepower.
The three-time African champions head into Sunday’s final in Rabat full of confidence, having won five of their last six matches and scoring 10 goals in their last three outings.
DR Congo also booked their place in the playoff final in dramatic fashion.
Captain Chancel Mbemba struck in stoppage time to secure a narrow victory over Cameroon, extending their run of three consecutive 1–0 wins. Under coach Sébastien Desabre, the Leopards have built success on defensive organisation rather than attacking flair.
They now stand on the brink of history, aiming to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1974, when they competed as Zaire.
Nigeria, ranked 19 places higher in FIFA’s standings, will be favourites, but Congo have already proven their ability to upset stronger opposition after eliminating Cameroon.
Team News
Nigeria welcome back Wilfred Ndidi, whose bookings in the qualifiers do not carry into the playoffs. Semi Ajayi is also available after suspension, though Benjamin Fredrick and Calvin Bassey are expected to continue in central defence.
Up front, Adams should partner Osimhen, who is chasing Rashidi Yekini’s all-time scoring record after moving to 31 international goals. Ejuke’s impact off the bench against Gabon could earn him more minutes, possibly ahead of Ademola Lookman.
DR Congo report no fresh injuries or suspensions. Aaron Wan-Bissaka will continue at right-back, with Mbemba and Axel Tuanzebe forming the central pairing and Edo Kayembe shielding the defence in front of goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi.
Cedric Bakambu will lead the line once again, needing two more goals to equal Dieumerci Mbokani’s national scoring record.
Date, Kick-off Time and Venue
Nigeria vs DR Congo kicks off at 8:00pm on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat, Morocco.
Referee
Moroccan referee Jalal Jayed, 38, will officiate the playoff final. He will be assisted by compatriots Mustapha Akarkad and Zakaria Bernissi, with Tunisian official Mahrez El Malki as fourth referee. VAR duties will be handled by Lahlou Benbraham of Algeria and Haitham Guirat of Tunisia. Jayed previously oversaw Nigeria’s 2–0 win over Rwanda in March 2025, when Osimhen scored both goals.
Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
There have been 10 meetings between the two nations. Nigeria hold the upper hand with five wins to DR Congo’s four, with one draw.
Their last encounter was a friendly in May 2018, which ended 1–1.
Nigeria have six World Cup appearances, most recently in 2018.
DR Congo are targeting their maiden World Cup appearance since becoming a republic in 1997.
Nigeria are ranked 41st in the latest FIFA World Rankings, while Congo sit 60th.
Prediction
Nigeria head into the weekend clash on a three-game winning streak and remain unbeaten in their last seven competitive outings. They boast the stronger squad on paper but will still need a professional performance to secure victory.
The Leopards, meanwhile, have also won their last three matches, keeping clean sheets in each. They will draw confidence from their impressive win over Cameroon, but replicating that result against an even stronger opponent on Sunday may prove difficult.
