Nigeria vs DR Congo: All You Need To Know — Kick-off, Team News, Head-to-Head, Where To Watch, Prediction

Nigeria vs DR Congo: All You Need To Know — Kick-off, Team News, Head-to-Head, Where To Watch, Prediction

By Niyi Busari 

Nigeria will face the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday in the final of the World Cup qualifying play-off, with a place in next year’s inter-confederation tournament at stake, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The Super Eagles, who briefly boycotted training earlier in the week due to unresolved pay issues, advanced to the final after a dramatic 4–1 extra-time victory over Gabon in Rabat. Akor Adams put Nigeria ahead in the 78th minute, but Mario Lemina’s late equaliser forced extra time. Chidera Ejuke restored the lead seven minutes into the added period before Victor Osimhen netted twice to seal the win.

DR Congo also booked their place in the final in dramatic fashion. Chancel Mbemba scored in stoppage time to clinch a tense 1–0 win over Cameroon, ending the Indomitable Lions’ hopes of qualifying for what would have been their ninth World Cup appearance.

Sebastien Desabre’s side are chasing only their second appearance on football’s biggest stage, their last coming in 1974.

The winner of Sunday’s showdown will advance to the inter-confederation play-off in Mexico, where two final World Cup berths will be decided.

Date, Kick-off Time and Venue

Nigeria vs DR Congo

Date: Sunday, November 16, 2025

Kick-off: 7:00 p.m. GMT

Venue: Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah, Rabat, Morocco

Where to Watch

Television: Sporty TV

Live Stream: FIFA+ and Sporty TV’s official YouTube channel

Team News

Nigeria:

The major setback for the Super Eagles is the suspension of midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, who is ruled out after receiving too many yellow cards. Frank Onyeka is expected to replace him, though the Brentford midfielder must also tread carefully as he is one booking away from suspension.

Victor Osimhen, too, is one yellow card away from missing future play-off matches should Nigeria progress. Current tournament rules ensure yellow cards are not wiped until the start of the World Cup, meaning players who accumulate two cautions in separate qualifiers are automatically banned for the next fixture.

DR Congo:

The Leopards have a clean bill of health heading into the match. Mbemba, the lone player booked in their semifinal, will need to avoid another caution but remains available.

Prediction

Nigeria’s attacking depth—led by Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams—could pose significant problems for DR Congo despite the Leopards’ impressive defensive showing against Cameroon. DR Congo have shown resilience, but the challenge may be greater against a more explosive Nigerian frontline.

Prediction: Nigeria 3–1 DR Congo

Head-to-Head Record

Nigeria wins: 2

DR Congo wins: 3

Draws: 1