Nigeria Keep World Cup Hopes Alive With Play-Off Final Against DR Congo
Nigeria’s bid to return to the FIFA World Cup remains on track after the Super Eagles secured a place in the CAF play-off final with a dramatic extra-time victory over Gabon. Their next hurdle: a one-off showdown with DR Congo in Morocco for a shot at advancing to the inter-confederation play-offs.
Path to the Final
Having failed to secure automatic qualification, with South Africa topping Group C, Nigeria leaned on a strong finish to reach the play-off mini-tournament. Their 4–0 win over Benin, sealed by a late goal from Frank Onyeka, allowed them to edge Burkina Faso on goal difference and qualify as one of the best runners-up.
Because Nigeria held the highest FIFA ranking (41st) among the four qualifying runners-up, they were matched against the lowest-ranked side, Gabon (77th), in the semi-final.
Semi-Final Drama
The semi-final with Gabon was tightly contested. Regulation time ended 1–1, but Nigeria pulled away in extra time, Chidera Ejuke struck early, and then Victor Osimhen turned on the style with a brace.
In the other bracket, DR Congo snatched their spot in the final with a last-gasp 91st-minute goal from Chancel Mbemba to eliminate Cameroon.
Next Step: The Final
The winner of Nigeria vs DR Congo will represent Africa in the inter-confederation play-offs in March, competing for a place at the 2026 World Cup in North America.
For Nigeria, a victory would mark a return to the World Cup qualifying mix, their first chance to reach the tournament since 2018.