Overview:
The winners move on to the six-team FIFA Inter-Continental Play-Off in March—two spots available for the world stage—while the losers see their route to 2026 close.
Sunday November 16, 2025
- Stade Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan 10pm (EAT)
A place in the FIFA Inter-continental play off is up for grabs when giants Nigeria and DR Congo lock horns at the Stade Prince Heritier Moulay El Hassan in Africa’s play off final.
The Super Eagles brushed off challenge from Gabon’s Panthers 4-1 on Thursday to get into the final with Victor Osimhen scoring a brace in extra time.
For DR Congo, a late goal from captain Chancel Mbemba brought them here.
The Leopards have not contested at the world cup finals since debuting in 1974 and view this as an opportunity to return to the biggest stage of world football.
On the other hand, Nigeria wants to reach a seventh world cup since their first in 1994.
Eric Chelle’s three-time African champions will rely on among others Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Chidera Ejuke and Wilfried Ndidi to break down a resilient Leopards defence manned by Mbemba and ex- Manchester United stars Axel Tuanzebe and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Up front, Sebastien Desabre has options in experienced Cedric Bakambu and Pyramids forward Fiston Mayele.
Key Stat:
- Since 1976, Nigeria and DR Congo have faced six times with the Super Eagles edging the contest with 4 wins [L1, D2] in all competitions.
The winners move on to the six-team FIFA Inter-Continental Play-Off in March—two spots available for the world stage—while the losers see their route to 2026 close.