Nigeria vs DR Congo Predictions

This encounter pits two sides that secure victories in contrasting ways, with Nigeria relying on an explosive frontline, while the Congolese have flourished through defensive organisation. The Super Eagles are tipped to edge this clash based on pedigree and superior quality on paper, with the Leopards’s disciplined backline expected to struggle against the attacking threat of their opponents

Match info: FIFA World Cup Qualifying Playoffs

Venue: Moulay Hassan Stadium, Rabat

Date: Sunday, 16^th November 2025

Time: 8 pm Nigerian time

A place as Africa’s representative in the 2026 World Cup inter-confederation playoff is at stake as Nigeria face Congo DR on Sunday in Rabat.

The Super Eagles are bidding to reach the global showpiece for a seventh time, while the Leopards chase only their second appearance at the mundial.

Head-to-head:

• Both nations have never met in a competitive match before.
• Nigeria have won one of the three friendly meetings between the two teams.
• DR Congo recorded one win as well.
• The other encounter ended in a draw.
• Their three encounters produced at least two goals each.

Form:

• Nigeria in all competitions: W-D-W-W-W
• DR Congo in all competitions: W-L-W-W-W

Team News:

• Despite picking up his second booking of the campaign, Wilfred Ndidi has been cleared by CAF to feature for the Super Eagles on Sunday, as cautions accumulated during the World Cup qualifiers do not carry over into the playoffs - only confirmed suspensions apply. Aside from that change, no alterations are likely to the side that started against Gabon, with Nigerian sensation Benjamin Fredrick pairing with Calvin Bassey at the heart of defence, though Semi Ajayi is now available after missing the previous game through suspension.
• Meanwhile, Congo have no suspensions nor fresh injury concerns following the clash with Cameroon, meaning Desabre could retain the same lineup from that game. Aaron Wan-Bissaka is expected to hold the right-back position, while Mbemba and Axel Tuanzebe pair at the heart of defence, with Edo Kayembe completing the quartet protecting goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi.

Player(s) to watch:

• Victor Osimhen will be one of the main men in the attacking front for the Nigeria national football team. He scored two goals in the last match against Gabon in extra time, and more importantly, in six World Cup qualifying games, he has scored eight goals.
• Cedric Bakambu is likely to spearhead the attack once more, with the Real Betis striker’s 20 goals leaving him just two shy of Dieumerci Mbokani’s all-time national record.