World Cup playoff: Super Eagles face DR Congo in final
By Chris Umosen, sports editor
Super Eagles of Nigeria will this Sunday, 16 November, trade tackles with the Leopard of the Democratic Republic of Congo in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup play-off after a commanding 4-1 victory over the Panthers of Gabon in the first semi-finals of the competition played in Rabat, Morocco, yesterday.
The Leopards on the other hand, showed the Indomitable Lions the way out after a slim 1-0 victory.
The Eagles had played a goalless game at the first stanza of the match, but came back in second stanza with a rejuvenating spirit, which paid off in the 78th minute when Akor Adams pounced on a neat pass from Wilfred Ndidi to open the goal floodgate for Nigeria.
The Panthers’ Mario Lemina, levelled the score in the 89th minute to end the match at one-all-draw at 90th minute duration, and making room for extra time.
In the extra time , Chidera Ejuke increased the goal tally for Nigeria before talisman Victor Osimhen scored a brace to round-off the extra time duration with a 4-1 victory to set Nigeria on the final of the play-off against DR Congo who dramatically sent the Indomitable Lions of Cameron out of the competition through a goal slotted in at the stoppage time by Chancel Mbemba . However, DR Congo only appeared in the World Cup showpiece in 1974.
