World Cup Playoff Showdown: Nigeria vs DR Congo in Rabat

Sunday’s clash, Nigeria vs DR Congo in the 2026 World Cup African playoff final is going to be pure fire, kicking off at 7pm GMT at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat, Morocco. Redemption is on the cards for the Super Eagles after a rollercoaster of a campaign, from that Libya airport debacle to coming second in Group C on the last day.

DRC roared into this as one of the best runners-up, almost snatching top spot from Senegal. Both teams are starving for that golden ticket toward the intercontinental playoffs and a shot at USA/Canada/Mexico glory. Nigeria has the star power, but DRC boasts grit and counter-punch menace. Who ya got? Let’s break it down! ⚽

Possible Lineups

Nigeria

• (4-2-3-1 setups – expect rotations for freshness post-semi grinds)
  Nigeria – : Attack-minded, but defensive tweaks after Gabon’s scare end
• GK: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United) – Solid shot-stopper, key in qualifiers.
  DEF: Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahçe), William Troost-Ekong (PAOK – captain), Jamilu Collins (Brescia), Ola Aina (Torino).
  MID: Wilfred Ndidi, Leicester, midfield destroyer; Joe Aribo, Southampton.
  ATT MID: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta – on fire with 10 goals this season), Alex Iwobi (Fulham), Moses Simon (Nantes).
• ST: Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray – beast mode, chasing scoring records).
• Subs to watch: Calvin Bassey (Fulham) for depth, Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan) for flair off the bench.

DR Congo

• DR Congo – : disciplined, fast breaks with Pickel pulling strings:
  GK: Lionel Mpasi (Amiens) – Reliable between the sticks.
  DEF: Issama Mpeko (TP Mazembe – vet leader), Chancel Mbemba (Marseille), Arthur Masuaku (Besiktas), Gedeon Zalayam (Mazembe).
• MID: Christian Biloma (Orlando City), Nathan Mbacki (Rodez), Axel Ngoy (Union Berlin).
  ATT MID: Merveille Bikoro (Bodo/Glimt), Cedric Bakambu (Abha – danger man), Simon Banza (Braga).
  ST: Fiston Mayele (Pyramids FC – clinical finisher)
  Subs to watch: Joël Kiassumbua (backup GK), Meschack Elia (Al-Ahli) for late sparks.
  

Quick H2H Vibes

Last met in 2022 AFCON: DRC edged a 1-1 draw in groups, but Nigeria dominated qualifiers historically: W3 D1 L0 since 2010. Expect a cagey start to this one as DRC loves absorbing pressure before striking like leopards.

The Scoreline Prediction:

Nigeria 2-1 DR Congo. The Eagles soar late! Osimhen bags one early, DRC levels via a Bakambu counter, but Lookman’s magic seals it in the 78th. Nigeria’s depth edges the battle of attrition. Total goals under 3.5—tight, tense, tournament-defining stuff. Tune in, Naija! History is about to go down. What’s your call? Drop predictions below! #SuperEagles #Leopards #WorldCup2026 #NGADRC