Nigeria and DR Congo moved a step closer to their World Cup dream on a dramatic night that reshaped Africa’s race to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Instead of routine victories, both sides had to dig deep, survive tense moments, and deliver clutch performances to keep their hopes alive.
In Rabat, Nigeria refused to let late heartbreak derail them. After Akor Adams’ opener was cancelled out by Mario Lemina in the 89th minute, the Super Eagles regrouped and produced a ruthless extra-time surge. Chidera Ejuke struck first in the added period, before Victor Osimhen, who had earlier squandered a golden chance at the death, redeemed himself with a brilliant brace that sealed a 4–1 win over Gabon.
Meanwhile, DR Congo approached their semifinal with a different script—discipline, patience, and a moment of leadership. Facing Cameroon in a tightly contested battle, captain Chancel Mbemba delivered when it mattered most, firing home the winner deep into stoppage time to claim a 1–0 victory. The goal edged DR Congo closer to ending a World Cup absence that dates back to 1974.
Sunday’s all-or-nothing playoff final will now pit Nigeria against DR Congo, with the victor advancing to the six-team intercontinental playoffs in March. Only two nations from that final global stage will book passage to next year’s World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
For both teams, the path remains steep but the dream is very much alive.
