- As Gabon fall 4-1 in extra time
- DR Congo pip Cameroon 1-0
BY VICTOR OSOWOCHI – Fresh from their superlative display on Thursday night against the Panthers of Gabon, the Super Eagles of Nigeria will on Sunday take on the Leopards of Democratic Republic of Congo in the CAF World Cup play-off final in Rabat, Morocco.
It is a winner takes all encounter where the victorious side advances to March 2026 FIFA Inter-Continental Play-Off to keep alive their dream of featuring in the FIFA World Cup to be hosted by the trio of the United States, Canada and Mexico, beginning from June 11 next year.
The kick-off time for this high stakes’ make or break tie on Sunday is 20:00 local time (19:00 GMT) at the Stade Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan in Rabat, the Moroccan capital.
The Coach Eric Sékou Chelle-tutored Super Eagles are hitting the turf with momentum following their dramatic but emphatic 4–1 extra-time victory over the Gabonese.
In this semi-final encounter where the Panthers were finally taught a football lesson, the Super Eagles had to dig deep to finish emphatically, with Chidera Ejuke striking early in extra time while Victor Osimhen sealed it with a ruthless brace that complimented the opening goal delivered by Akor Adams.
All through the match, Oshimen was a constant threat to Gabon, especially with some headed efforts that either went narrowly wide or drew spectacular saves from goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba.
However, from being wasteful inside regulation time, Osimhen picked himself up to show his class in extra time with his brace to confirm Nigeria’s deserved place in the play-offs’ final
Clearly, the Nigerian fans were in ecstacy as this decisive victory puts the three-time African champions just 90 minutes away from the inter-continental shootout that offers Africa’s 10th ticket to 2026.
On their part, DR Congo advanced the hard way, by edging past the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon 1–0 in the second semi-final match.
The Leopards’ hard-fought triumph was all thanks to a stoppage-time finishing by captain Chancel Mbemba, who turned in a Cipenga corner after a disciplined defensive display against the dogged Cameroonians.
Sébastien Desabre’s side kept their shape, relied on Lionel Mpasi’s secure handling, and punished the Indomitable Lions at the death despite earlier heroic saves by Manchester United keeper, André Onana who is currently on loan with Trabzonspor in Turkish Süper Lig.
This final sets up an intriguing clash of styles: Nigeria’s direct speed and penalty-box punch, led by Osimhen and supplied by Wilfred Ndidi’s line-breaking passes, compared to the Leopards’ unit that has married organisation with timely set-piece threat.
Cedric Bakambu’s experience and Fiston Mayele’s running give DR Congo counters to Nigeria’s high press, while Mbemba’s leadership anchors a back line comfortable absorbing pressure.
With no second chances in this all or nothing encounter, football pundits believe that detail will decide the winner in terms of transitions, set-plays, and game management in the Moroccan capital come Sunday, November 16, 2025
The eventual winners will move on to participate in the six-team FIFA Inter-Continental Play-Off in March where two spots are available for the world stage with the losers seeing their route to 2026 Mundial finally truncated.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the 23rd edition of the tournament and the first time where 48 countries are set to compete for the global honours.
