Nigeria and DR Congo meet in Rabat for the final of the African World Cup Qualifying playoffs and the winner gets to go to the 2026 World Cup intercontinental playoffs.
Nigeria came through 4–1 in extra time against Gabon, while DR Congo booked teir place after a 1–0 win against Cameroon with a stoppage time goal from Chancel Mbemba.
Both teams survived their semifinals under the rain in Rabat and now only one of them will move a step closer to North America 2026. For both the Super Eagles and the Leopards, it’s all or nothing.
Match details
- Fixture: Nigeria vs DR Congo
- Competition: CAF World Cup Qualification Play-off Final
- Venue: Moulay Hassan Stadium, Rabat, Morocco
- Date: Sunday, 16 November 2025
- Kick-off: 20h00 local time
How & Where to watch
The match will be broadcast live on L’Équipe Live Foot, SuperSport and, beIN SPORTS.
Matchday in Moulay El Hassan! 🏟️
Nigeria and DR Congo in the African #WCQ Play-Offs Final tonight. Ready? 🇳🇬🇨🇩 pic.twitter.com/YYZvXX8L8L
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) November 16, 2025
Nigeria team news
Nigeria come into this one full of confidence after that huge extra time win over Gabon. They’ve also sorted out their bonus dispute and captain William Troost-Ekong has confirmed all is well in the camp ahead of this final.
- Injuries/absences: No major injury reported but Wilfred Ndidi is available and played a key role in the semifinal.
Predicted lineup:Nwabali – Ajayi, Fredrick, Bassey, Sanusi – Onyeka, Ndidi – Chukwueze, Iwobi, Lookman – Osimhen.
Nigeria’s firepower is their biggest advantage. If they control transitions and maintain defensive concentration, they have enough attacking quality to break through DR Congo’s compact structure.
DR Congo Team News
DR Congo come into this final after a disciplined 1–0 win over Cameroon, thanks to Chancel Mbemba’s late goal. They were compact and well organized throughout the match — a template they will follow again.
His experience will be crucial as the Leopards try to reach the World Cup for the first time since 1974 when the country played as Zaire.
- Injuries/absences: no suspensions or injury concerns
DR Congo will likely defend deep, absorb pressure, and try to hit Nigeria on quick transitions. It’s a plan that suits their players and worked against Cameroon.
Predicted lineup:Mpasi – Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Masuaku – Moutoussamy, Mukau, Sadiki – Mbuku, Bakambu, Elia.
Despite facing a Nigerian team 19 places above them in the FIFA World Rankings, DR Congo won’t be scared. They already beat 54th ranked Cameroon and have been the underdogs throughout this playoff.
Safe calls
- Nigeria to Win: Their attacking momentum gives them the edge
- Over 1.5 Goals: Nigeria generate chances consistently, and DR Congo can threaten on counters.
- Both Teams to Score: Yes
- Score prediction: Nigeria 2–1 DR Congo
