Will Super Eagles of Nigeria defeat Congo on Sunday?

The Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Leopards of the Democratic Republic of Congo are set for a historic, winner-takes-all battle on Sunday, with a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the line.

This CAF playoff final marks the first time the two nations have ever met in an official competitive World Cup qualifier. Their past, built only on 6 friendly matches, shows an almost even split, promising a tightly contested final where history offers little precedent.

Momentum vs. Discipline

Nigeria soars into the match riding a wave of momentum and attacking firepower. Their path to the final was sealed with a dramatic 4-1 extra-time victory over Gabon. The team’s confidence is at a peak, largely fueled by the heroics of Victor Osimhen. The star striker exploded for two extra-time goals in the semifinal, cementing his status as Nigeria’s primary goal threat.

Complementing Osimhen is a surge of fresh talent. Chidera Ejuke announced his arrival on the big stage by coming off the bench to score his first Super Eagles goal, providing a significant boost to the team’s offensive options.

Likewise, new defensive and midfield pillars, like Benjamin Fredrick, are also making their mark, adding vitality and solidity to the squad.

For DR Congo, their strength lies in a disciplined tactical setup and steely resolve. They ground out a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Cameroon to reach the final, with their experienced captain, Chancel Mbemba, scoring the decisive goal. Mbemba embodies the Leopards’ spirit, a leader and a match-winner who makes his team a constant threat, especially in high-pressure, neutral-venue games like this final.

The Deciding Factors

While the historical record is remarkably even – that is, Nigeria has won twice and drawn once, while Congo has defeated the Eagles three times, the scales may tip slightly in Nigeria’s favour due to their potent attack and proven ability to perform under extreme pressure. The Super Eagles have demonstrated they can find another gear when a match goes beyond 90 minutes.

DR Congo, while formidable and organised, possesses less experience in a playoff decider of this magnitude. Their hope lies in disrupting Nigeria’s rhythm and capitalising on set-pieces or swift counter-attacks.

Nigeria vs Congo: Prediction

All signs point toward a fiercely contested match. Expect Nigeria to draw first blood through Osimhen or Lookman, only for a resilient DR Congo to claw back an equalizer. However, the Super Eagles’ superior firepower and momentum should ultimately see them through, potentially sealed by a late goal from an impact substitute like Ejuke or another moment of magic from their main man.

Final Score PM News Prediction: Nigeria 2 – 1 DR Congo