Nigeria’s Super Eagles will face DR Congo in a high-stakes final playoff after both teams secured dramatic victories in Rabat to move one step closer to qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
DR Congo sealed their spot in Sunday’s showdown with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Cameroon at the Stade El Barid. With the match seemingly drifting toward extra time, captain Chancel Mbemba delivered a decisive blow in the first minute of stoppage time, calmly steering in Brian Cipenga’s corner. The late goal stunned the Cameroonian bench and sent the five-time African champions crashing out of contention.
The loss ends Cameroon’s hopes of appearing at the expanded 48-team World Cup next year, having already missed out on the automatic qualification ticket claimed by Cape Verde, who will be making their tournament debut.
Earlier, Nigeria booked their place in the playoff final with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Gabon at the Moulay Hassan Stadium. After Akor Adams put the Super Eagles ahead in the 78th minute, a deflected strike by Mario Lemina pulled Gabon level just before regulation time ended.
The equaliser only spurred Nigeria on, as Chidera Ejuke restored the lead in extra time with his maiden goal for the national team. Victor Osimhen then sealed the result with a brilliant brace, confirming the Super Eagles’ dominance and passage to the next round.
Both Nigeria and DR Congo now shift their focus to Sunday’s decisive encounter in Morocco. The winner will progress to the six-team intercontinental playoff in Mexico in March 2026, where the final two qualification slots for the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico will be determined.
Discover more from NATIONAL BEAM
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
