WeeklySA_AdminHIGH-STAKES: In a 2026 World Cup Final pathway fixture, both nations brace for an encounter that could go either way…
By Masoja Cele
Nigeria and DR Congo will fiercely battle it oNigeria and DR Congo will fiercely battle it out this weekend for a spot in the 2026 World Cup Finals scheduled for March next year.
The CAF World Cup Qualifier play-off final between the two nations will be played at the Stade Prince Heritier Moulay El Hassan, Rabat on Sunday. The match will start at 21h00.
The winner between the two countries will automatically progress to the 2026 World Cup Final to be hosted in the USA, Mexico and Canada next year. This game is a sequel to yesterday’s semi-finals: Nigeria against Gabon and Cameroon vs DR Congo.
In the first semi-final, The Super Eagles walloped Gabon 4-1 after extra time. Nigerians were in command for the duration of the match when in normal time Akor Adams broke the ice in the 77th minute to put his side in the driving seat with a 1-0 lead.
However, Gabon fought back vigorously to snatch a late equaliser through Mario Lemina’s deflected effort in the 89th minute. After the goal, no team was able to find the winner and the match went to extra time.
With the match swaying from end to end, Nigeria’s Chidera Ejuke scored in the 98th minute to give his side a 2-1 lead, followed by Victor Osimhen who wrote his name on the score sheet with a beautiful strike in the 102th minute.
The Galatasaray SK marksman completed his brace in the 110th minute to give the Super Eagles a resounding 4-1 victory over the stubborn Gabon side.
In another semi-final at Al Barid Stadium, DR Congo surprised Cameroon with a 1-0 win. The Leopards goal came via the boot of captain Chancel Mbemba. The results means Cameroon will miss the chance to play in the 2026 World Cup Finals. The Teranga Lions hold the continental record with eight World Cup appearances.
Both teams are eyeing a place in the World event. The winner on Sunday will join nine other African countries who have already qualified for the showpiece. Super Eagles’ coach Eric Chelle will pray for his team to stay focused throughout the 90th minutes on Sunday in their bid to advance to the finals of the World Cup.
Chelle’s trusted striking pair of Osimhen and Akor Adams will pose a threat to the Congolese, who have proven to be very competitive against any opposition. Their defensive tactics were key against Cameroon and were quick on the ball, denying the likes of Etta Eyong , Bryan Mbeumo , Christian Mougang any room to manoeuvre.
The DR Congo striking partnership of Fiston Mayele and the goal scorer Chancel Mbemba against Cameroon are expected to unsettle the Nigerian defence with their explosive runs coming from the deep.
This is a do-or-die battle that could go either way.
