Nigeria’s World Cup dream is still alive, and now the Super Eagles know exactly who stands in their way. After a thrilling 4–1 extra-time victory over Gabon today, as Softfootball reported, Nigeria will now face the Democratic Republic of Congo in the CAF World Cup qualifying play-off final on Sunday. The Super Eagles confirmed this clash via their official X account.
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The night in Rabat was anything but calm for Nigerian fans. Akor Adams thought he’d done enough when he broke the deadlock in the 78th minute, only for Gabon’s Mario Lemina to level things up at the death in the 89th minute, of all times. It felt like a punch to the gut, but the Super Eagles refused to fold.
Extra time was all green and white. Substitute Chidera Ejuke gave Nigeria back the lead early in the added minutes, and then Victor Osimhen turned the tie into a statement. The Galatasaray striker, who has been in insane form this season, scoring a hat trick for his country to see them through this playoff as earlier reported by softfootball, bagged two brilliant goals in the 102nd and 110th minutes to bury Gabon’s hopes once and for all.
Just hours later, news filtered through that DR Congo had stunned Cameroon 1–0 in their own semi-final. Defender Chancel Mbemba’s stoppage-time winner in Rabat sent shockwaves across African football and set up a fascinating final clash.
So, it’s Nigeria vs DR Congo this Sunday, right there in Morocco. One game, one ticket to the inter-confederation play-offs in March 2026. For the Leopards, it’s a chance to build on their emotional upset; for Nigeria, it’s another step toward redemption after missing out on Qatar 2022.
It’s the kind of fixture that writes itself: two hungry sides, one dream, and just 90 minutes, or maybe a bit more, to decide whose road to Mexico stays alive. One thing’s sure, though: the Super Eagles aren’t planning on stopping now.
