Match Day LIVE .
Match Week 2 – African World Cup 2026 Playoffs . Finals .
Nigeria vs Congo DR. 🇳🇬🇨🇩
Venue – Prince Herithier Moulay El-Hassan ,Stadium , Rabat .
Date – November 16,2025.
Time- 8 pm , UK..
A mouth watering encounter awaits the football world when the two Africsn giants Nigeria and Congo DR lock horns for a spot in the finals of the African zone Play off match at the Prince Herithier Moulay stadium in far away Rabat , Morocco to represent the continent in the 2026 World Cup Inter Confederation Play offs in March 2026 .
The Super are bidding to reach the World Cup finals for the seventh time while the Leopards of DR Congo is hoping to appear for the second time after their debut in 1974 when they were known as Zaire .
The winner joins the other five teams from other federations for a single spot for each confederation , one from CONMEBOL another from Oceania , one single representative from Asia and two from CONCACAF
The two highest ranked teams in FIFA ranking gets automatic qualification to the finals Pathways 1 and 2 , while the remaining four teams competes in the semi finals for a place in the finals .
The winners of each path way will be awarded the last two spots in Pot 4 of the 2026 World Cup draw .
Nigeria who have not qualified for the World Cup since 2018 edition secured their victory in the semi finals after a commanding performance against Gabon who they humbled 4-1 after being held to a 1-1 draw at full time ..
It was a dominant ond half by the Eagles when Akor Adams opened scoring for Nigeria at the 78th minute, from a free gift by the Leopards via a floppy passing which could not get to the Panthers , defender , an on rushing Akor Adams took advantage of their mistake and rammed home the curtain raiser .
Galatasaray midfielder and Victor Osimehin team mate, Mario Lamina equalized for the Panthers , a minute ,into added time , later Chidera Ejike swiftly restored Nigeria s lead before a brace from Eagles talisman striker , Osimenhin sealed the much needed victory 4-1 over the bemused and badly positioned Panthers of Gabon , providing a crucial momentum for today’s finals .
The Super Eagles have now won their last five matches out of six ,scoring 10 goals and conceding 3 , across the most recent ones ,that’s enough morale boaster for the Eagles as they file out for the finals.
This is the first competitive match between the two sides after their 1-1 draw in a friendly in 2018 , which is the only stalemate in their last six encounters which Nigeria won two and drew one while DR Congo won three .
DR Congo’ s qualification for this final was a bitter sweet affair as they have to wait for a las minute extra time goal to beat a defiant Indomitable Lions of Cameroon .
Captain , Chancel Mbeobo proved to be the hero when he connected to a well taken corner kick to give the Leopards the lone goal..
The Leopards progressed to the finals today with a solitary goal from their last three matches show casing their indepth defensive , proving their team has thrived through defensive solidity rather than an attacking flourish .
They will strive to take a step closer to their wishes , having not qualified for the Mundial since 1974 when they were known as Zaire .
Their greatest obstacle to their aspiration is Nigeria ranked 19th above them , though the the Leopard s currently in the 60th position , may not be overly disturbed as they were able to over come another African giant , Cameroon who is ranked 54th in FIFA ranking .
Nigeria s captain , Wilfred Ndidi has been cleared of a double yellow card offence from the group phase matches .The FIFA rules says that only confirmed yellow cards stands as a punishable offence of a one match ban .
Besides that no changes have been made to the side that started against the Panthers of Gabon last Thursday .
New Nigerian defensive stalwart , Benjamin Franklin took the Nigeira football scene by surprise with his five star performance against Gabon , almost running round the porch and winning all ball duels in the heart of the defence . will be available this night in Rabat, pairing with Bassey at the rear , while Seyi Ajayi who is back from suspension .
Our striking options are till Adams will partner Osimehin , the Galatasaray striker is looking forward to edge closer to Nigeira s all time scoring record set by Late Rashidi Yekini of 37 goals , with his own at 31 , after the brace against Gabon .
After his outstanding performance against Gabon , Chidera Ejike for Sevilla mat continue with his good works today , if at all his display in last time out was enough to bench Ademola Lukmon.
The Leopards is likely to maintain the status quo ante by sticking to their winning team against the Indomitable Lions , devoid of injury worries .
That means Aaron Wan Bissaka formerly of Man United , will man the right back , while Mbembe and Axel Tuanzebe pair at the heart of the defence while Edo Kayembe completing the quartet ,protecting goal keeper Lionel Mpasi
Real Betis Forward , Cedric Bakambu leads the attacking options for the Leopards , with his 20 goal so far leaving only with 2 goals to beat the national record of eh DR Congo.
It’s going to be a highly tactical match for both sides .
Predictions
This match is between two sides thwr got to this stage in contrasting ways , Nigeira with high profile attacking options led by their prolific striker z Victor Osimehn , being partnered by new boy Akor Adams and Chidera ,
The DR Congo have flourished through defensive organization and .
The Super seems to be the favourites to scale through to the Inter Continental play offs due to their pedigree and form at least on paper .
We expect a good match, a winner may emerge at either full time or extra time , just like the semi finals of the African play off.
Nigeria 3-1 DR Congo Or 2-1 Or 4-1.
Happy Viewing .Happy New Month of World Cup Qualifiers
Uche Anaba .
Uchefreetips 2025 (C).
Email -ucheanaba@gmail.com
Visit –
https://worldbeatx.com/
