Nigeria take on Congo in their final Group D fixture at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, with both sides heading into the match under pressure for different reasons.
Moroccan referee Mustapha Kechaf will blow the kick-off whistle at 6:00 pm (GMT+1), and fans can catch the action live on BeIN Sports MENA, BeIN Sports France, DSTV, SABC Sport, and New World TV.
The Super Eagles have already been eliminated after back-to-back defeats, but the team is eager to finish on a positive note. “We need a win for the country. We’ll give everything against Congo,” said the coach. “The two defeats affected us, but we must bounce back.”
Congo still have a chance of progressing, but their fate does not rest entirely in their own hands. They must win against Nigeria and then wait on the outcome of the group’s other match between Sudan and Senegal. Anything less than three points would almost certainly see their campaign come to an end.
Both teams are expected to approach the contest with urgency. For Nigeria, the objective is to restore pride and show resilience after a difficult tournament. For Congo, the task is simple: win and hope results elsewhere go in their favour.
Coaches from both camps have stressed that the result will be settled on the pitch. With little to separate the sides on recent form, the contest could be decided by small margins and late drama.
Supporters inside the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium are set for a tense encounter, with Nigeria playing for respect and Congo fighting for survival.
Predicted Score:
On balance, Congo may have more to play for, but Nigeria will want to avoid leaving the tournament without a point. A tightly contested game is expected, with a 1-1 draw looking the most likely result.
