NFF Releases Statement Ahead of Super Eagles’ World Cup Playoff Final vs DR Congo

NFF Releases Statement Ahead of Super Eagles’ World Cup Playoff Final vs DR Congo

  • The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has published a statement ahead of the World Cup playoff final in Rabat on Sunday
  • The Super Eagles of Nigeria will clash with the Leopards of the Democratic Republic of Congo to decide Africa's slot
  • Nigeria defeated Gabon 4-1 in the semi-final, while DR Congo brought down the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon

The Nigeria Football Federation has published a statement ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff final in Rabat, Morocco, on November 16.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria move closer to actualising their World Cup dream when they face the Leopards of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Victor Osimhen, Stanley Nwabali, Super Eagles, Nigeria, World Cup playoff.
Victor Osimhen and Stanley Nwabali after Nigeria's 4-1 win over Gabon. Photo from caf_online.
Source: Twitter

Nigeria defeated the Panthers of Gabon 4-1 after extra time on November 13, while DR Congo beat the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon 1-0.

The final match between Nigeria and DR Congo will decide Africa’s representative for the intercontinental playoffs in Mexico in March 2026.

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CAF sends message to Nigeria and DR Congo ahead of World Cup playoff final

The match will be played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, the same stadium where Nigeria humiliated Gabon.

CAF describes the match as an intriguing clash of styles: Nigeria’s direct speed and penalty-box punch against Congo’s organisation with timely set-piece threat.

NFF releases statement ahead of WC playoff

The Nigeria Football Federation has published a statement confirming the details of the World Cup playoff match between Nigeria and DR Congo.

NFF boasts of the attacking prowess at the hands of Eric Chelle, which includes talisman Victor Osimhen and reigning African Footballer of the Year, Ademola Lookman.

The Super Eagles team combines a blend of experience with young energy, including defender Benjamin Fredrick and striker Akor Adams, both of whom have stepped up in recent games.

Head coach Eric Chelle, who was worried about the absence of suspended vice captain Wilfred Ndidi, can now breathe a sigh of relief at the latest development.

Read also

Eric Chelle frustrated as Super Eagles suffers major blow before World Cup playoff final vs DR Congo

CAF confirmed that the midfielder is eligible for the match, as every player arrives at the playoffs with a clean slate, as yellow cards from the group stage don't count.

Wilfred Ndidi, Super Eagles, Nigeria, World Cup playoff, Gabon.
CAF confirms Wilfred Ndidi is eligible to face DR Congo despite yellow card against DR Congo. Photo by Visionhaus.
Source: Getty Images

However, Chelle will be worried about Ndidi, Osimhen and Frank Onyeka, as they will miss the intercontinental playoff in case Nigeria progresses if they receive yellow cards against DR Congo.

NFF noted captain Chancel Mbemba, CAF Best nominee Fiston Mayele, and Real Betis star Cedric Bakambu among the players of concern in the Congolese squad.

South America's Bolivia and Oceania's New Caledonia already have a spot in the intercontinental playoffs, while Iraq, Jamaica and Panama are hopeful.

As it stands, Nigeria and Panama are the highest-ranked teams and will play one match each, while others will start in the semi-final in Guadalajara and Monterey.

CAF sent message to Nigeria and DR Congo

Legit.ng reported that CAF sent a message to Nigeria and DR Congo ahead of the African tourney final for the 2026 FIFA World Cup African playoff.

The African football governing body confirmed the participants after their hard-fought battles against the Panthers of Gabon and the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Elijah Odetokun avatar

Elijah Odetokun (Sports Editor) Elijah Odetokun is a Nigerian sports editor at Legit.ng. He has five years of working experience and holds a Bachelor of Agriculture from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, and a Diploma in Freelance and Sports Writing from the London School of Journalism. He has covered major Super Eagles games, including FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Email: elijah.odetokun@sportsbrief.com

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