Osimhen Shines, Mbemba Delivers Drama As Nigeria And DR Congo Reach Playoff Final

Osimhen Shines, Mbemba Delivers Drama As Nigeria And DR Congo Reach Playoff Final

By Niyi Busari 

Nigeria will face the Democratic Republic of Congo in the final of the FIFA World Cup African playoff on Sunday in Rabat, Morocco, as both sides target a berth in next year’s inter-confederation playoffs, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The Super Eagles booked their place in the final after a dramatic 4–1 extra-time victory over Gabon in Thursday’s first semifinal. Nigeria had conceded a late equaliser in regulation time, but Victor Osimhen, after losing two glaring chances, proved decisive in extra time, scoring a brace to secure a comfortable win.

The Super Eagles recorded a third straight win in World Cup qualification as they beat Gabon after extra-time on Thursday in the second round semi-final play-off.

Eric Chelle’s side were on course to win the tie in regulation time after Akor Adams pounced on a defensive error to break the deadlock as late as the 78th minute.

However, Gabon restored parity in the 89th minute when Mario Lemina - formerly of Southampton, Fulham and Wolves - saw his deflected effort find its way into the back of the net.

Chidera Ejuke struck early in the first period of extra-time before Victor Osimhen made amends for missing a guilt-edged chances to win the game in stoppage time by helping himself to a brace.

On its part, DR Congo advanced later in the evening with a tense 1–0 victory over Cameroon, courtesy of a stoppage-time goal from captain Chancel Mbemba. The defender arrived unmarked at the back post to steer in Brian Cipenga’s corner, sealing a dramatic win in a match played under persistent rain.

The result denied Cameroon, Africa’s most frequent World Cup finalists with eight appearances, any advantage despite their pedigree. Early opportunities fell for DR Congo through Noah Sadiki and Theo Bongonda, while Cameroon also came close when Karl Etta Eyong narrowly missed connecting with Bryan Mbeumo’s dangerous free kick.

Goalkeeper André Onana, who had been doubtful before kickoff due to injury, produced a key save to deny Bongonda on the hour mark. Minutes later, Mbeumo broke through for Cameroon but pushed his shot wide from close range.

As the match wore on, Congo looked the stronger side, though Cameroon carved out two late half-chances for Etta Eyong before Mbemba’s decisive intervention.

Nigeria and DR Congo will now meet in Sunday’s playoff final in Rabat. The winner will progress to the inter-confederation playoffs in March, where six teams will compete for two spots at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.