Nigeria and DR Congo will clash on Sunday in Morocco in the final phase of Africa’s 2026 World Cup playoffs, with both teams now just two victories away from reaching the global football stage.
Their showdown was confirmed after dramatic semifinal wins on Thursday.
At the Stade El Barid in Rabat, DR Congo booked their place with a late 1–0 victory over Cameroon. Captain Chancel Mbemba delivered the decisive moment in stoppage time, rising highest to head home Brian Cipenga’s corner and ignite jubilant scenes on the Congolese bench.
The defeat ended Cameroon’s bid to qualify for a record-extending ninth World Cup, having already surrendered their automatic qualification slot to Cape Verde.
Earlier, Nigeria powered past Gabon with a 4–1 extra-time triumph at the Moulay Hassan Stadium. Akor Adams opened the scoring in the 78th minute, before Gabon forced extra time through Mario Lemina’s deflected equaliser.
The Super Eagles took control in extra time: Chidera Ejuke fired in his first international goal to restore Nigeria’s lead, and Victor Osimhen added a brilliant brace to secure passage to Sunday’s final.
The stage is now set for a gripping showdown between two ambitious teams chasing a ticket to the intercontinental playoffs scheduled for Mexico in March 2026—where the final two World Cup spots will be decided.
With everything to play for, attention shifts to Morocco for a decisive encounter that could shape the World Cup destiny of both nations.
