Super Eagles Set Up High-Stakes CAF Play-Off Final Against DR Congo
Story: written Uzuh Rita November14,2025
Nigeria’s World Cup dream remains alive as the Super Eagles booked their place in the CAF Play-Off final with a commanding 4–1 extra-time win over Gabon on Thursday in Rabat, Morocco—thanks to a dominant display led by Victor Osimhen.
The victory sets up a decisive showdown against DR Congo on Sunday after the Leopards clinched a dramatic 1–0 win over Cameroon, sealed by a 91st-minute strike from their captain, Chancel Mbemba.
Nigeria started the semi-final on the front foot, controlling possession and threatening early through Bright Osayi-Samuel and Osimhen, who rattled the post with a powerful header in the 17th minute. Despite the pressure, both sides went into the break without a goal.
The breakthrough came shortly after halftime when Akor Adams reacted quickest to a loose ball, smashing Nigeria into the lead. Gabon forced the match into extra time with an 89th-minute equaliser from Mario Lemina, but the added period belonged to the Super Eagles.
Chidera Ejuke restored Nigeria’s advantage after a neat assist from Wilfred Ndidi, before Osimhen delivered the finishing touches—scoring twice to take his international tally to 31 goals and secure a morale-boosting victory for the squad.
Nigeria will now take on DR Congo at the Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay El Hassan, with the winner advancing to the Intercontinental Play-Offs in March 2026—where the final two World Cup slots for Canada, Mexico, and the USA will be decided.
For DR Congo, whose only previous World Cup appearance was in 1974 as Zaire, the clash presents a rare chance to edge closer to football’s biggest stage.
