The final match of the African zone playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set: Nigeria will face DR Congo on Sunday after both teams secured hard-fought semi-final victories in Rabat, Morocco, on Thursday.
The winner will earn the coveted slot in the FIFA Intercontinental Playoff Tournament. In the first semi-final, the Nigerian national team emerged victorious over Gabon in a grueling match that went into extra time, ending 4-1.
The game at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium was tight in regular time, ending 1-1. Nigeria’s Akor Adams opened the scoring in the 78th minute. However, Gabon’s Mario Lemina quickly equalized in the 89th minute, forcing the contest into an additional thirty minutes.
Nigeria’s dominance took hold in extra time, powered by two goals from star striker Victor Osimhen (102nd and 110th minutes), alongside a strike from Ejuke Chidera (97th minute). This surge secured Nigeria’s place in the final.
The second semi-final, played later at the Al Barid Stadium, was a tense, low-scoring affair. DR Congo defeated heavy favorites Cameroon 1-0 thanks to a late goal from defender Chancel Mbemba. The crucial strike ensured DR Congo a surprise spot in the final round.
The Nigeria-DRC playoff final is scheduled for Sunday, November 16, at 8:00 pm (local time) at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium. Only one of these two nations will advance to the final intercontinental stage of qualification for the North American World Cup.
AK/Sf/fss/abj/APA