The Super Eagles of Nigeria will take on the Democratic Republic of Congo in the final of the African playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following a dramatic semifinal round on Thursday in Rabat.
DR Congo sealed their place in the final after a tense 1-0 victory over Cameroon at the Al-Barid Stadium. The decisive moment came in the 91st minute, when Chancel Mbemba fired home from close range after a well-taken corner, sending the Congolese bench into wild celebrations.
The win brings DR Congo within touching distance of their first World Cup appearance in over five decades. The nation last featured in the global tournament in 1974, when it was known as Zaire.
Nigeria cruised into the final with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Gabon in the first semifinal.
Victor Osimhen led the charge with a brace, while Chidera Ejuke and Akor Adams added a goal apiece to cap off a dominant display that saw the Super Eagles overwhelm their opponents in extra time.
Okay News reports that Sunday’s final at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat will determine Africa’s representative in the intercontinental playoff, a final qualification hurdle for the 2026 World Cup to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Nigeria will be aiming to extend their impressive World Cup qualification record after missing out on Qatar 2022, while DR Congo will look to end decades of absence from football’s biggest stage.
Kick-off for the highly anticipated final is set for 7:00 p.m. local time, with both teams expected to field their strongest line-ups in pursuit of the coveted playoff ticket.
