Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo will face off in a highly anticipated World Cup qualifying playoff final on Sunday, November 16, 2025. The match, set to kick off at 7 PM GMT at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah in Rabat, Morocco, promises an exciting showdown. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of what you need to know.
The Build-Up:
Nigeria, led by the formidable Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, boasts a strong attacking lineup. However, they’ll need to be cautious of DR Congo’s solid defense, which held Cameroon’s Bryan Mbeumo in check. The Leopards, as they’re known, are no pushovers.
Key Players:
- Nigeria: Osimhen, Lookman, and Akor Adams will be pivotal. Adams’ goal in the first leg was crucial, and Osimhen’s goal-scoring prowess could be the difference. Frank Onyeka, a midfield dynamo, will be crucial, but he’s on a yellow card, so caution is advised.
- DR Congo: Mbemba, their only cautioned player in the previous match, will need to be vigilant against Nigerian pressure.
Team News:
- Nigeria: Ndidi’s absence is a significant blow, but Onyeka is a capable replacement. However, Onyeka’s own yellow card status adds another layer of complexity.
- DR Congo: The Leopards emerged unscathed from their match against Cameroon, with no injuries or suspensions to report.
Prediction:
Nigeria’s attacking prowess, coupled with DR Congo’s defensive resilience, sets the stage for a closely contested match. While DR Congo’s ability to neutralize Cameroon’s attack is impressive, Nigeria’s star power and home-field advantage might just tip the scales in their favor.
Prediction: Nigeria 3-1 DR Congo
Head-to-Head:
Historically, Nigeria holds a slight edge with two wins, DR Congo with three, and one draw.
Odds:
Betfair’s odds (subject to change) will provide a clearer picture as the match approaches. Stay tuned for the latest updates!
Where to Watch:
Unfortunately, the game won’t be broadcast live on TV in the UK. However, you can catch all the action on FIFA’s official streaming service, FIFA+, or follow Standard Sport’s live blog for real-time updates.