Nigeria and DR Congo meet on Sunday at Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat, with a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup inter-confederation playoffs on the line.
Both nations survived tense semi-finals, and now one final hurdle stands between them and a trip to Mexico next year.
Check out our free Nigeria vs DR Congo predictions below, as well as other football predictions for today.
Contents
- 1 Nigeria vs DR Congo prediction: The Super Eagles’ firepower should edge a tight game
- 2 Most recent H2Hs: DR Congo hold a slight historical edge
- 3 Nigeria preview: One key suspension but confidence remains high
- 4 DR Congo preview: Compact, disciplined, and dangerous on the break
- 5 Player to Watch: Victor Osimhen
Nigeria vs DR Congo prediction: The Super Eagles’ firepower should edge a tight game
Key statistics
- Nigeria have scored in each of their last six matches.
- DR Congo have scored in eight straight games.
- The Leopards have won each of their last three matches 1-0.
Correct score prediction: Nigeria 1-0 DR Congo
Nigeria look stronger in attack and have more match-winners, which may prove decisive in a tight contest. DR Congo’s organisation and resilience will keep them in the match, but the Super Eagles’ superior front line, especially Victor Osimhen’s form, could produce the single moment required to settle this playoff.
Pre-game odds with implied probabilities: Odds tilts in Nigeria’s favour
- Nigeria: 17/20 (1.85) – 54%
- Draw: 21/10 (3.10) – 32%
- DR Congo: 29/10 (3.90) – 25%
*Odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change*
Nigeria are slight favourites based on attacking depth and recent momentum, but the odds still reflect the possibility of a tight and cagey affair.
Nigeria survived a dramatic 4-1 extra-time win over Gabon, with Akor Adams opening the scoring, Chidera Ejuke restoring the lead, and Victor Osimhen’s brace sealing qualification.
DR Congo, meanwhile, stunned Cameroon 1-0 with a stoppage-time winner from captain Chancel Mbemba.
Most recent H2Hs: DR Congo hold a slight historical edge
This will be the seventh meeting between the nations. DR Congo lead the head-to-head with three wins to Nigeria’s two, along with one draw. Their last meeting came in 2018, ending 1-1 in a friendly.
Nigeria preview: One key suspension but confidence remains high
Initial reports suggested that Wilfred Ndidi was suspended after picking up his second yellow card of this qualifying series, but CAF have come out to clear the midfielder, stating that cautions from the initial qualifying phase are not carried into the playoffs.
With Ndidi cleared to feature, he is expected to start in the base of Eric Chelle’s midfield diamond.
Osimhen, having scored 31 goals, continues to chase Rashidi Yekini’s all-time scoring record (37 goals), and his form could again be crucial.
Chelle may stick with the same front pairing of Osimhen and Adams after both impressed against Gabon, while Ejuke’s impact off the bench could earn him another important role.
Nigeria predicted lineup: Nwabali, Osayi-Samuel, Frederick, Bassey, Sanusi, Chukwueze, Ndidi, Iwobi, Ejuke, Osimhen & Adams
Nigeria’s last five results
13/11/25 – Nigeria 4-1 Gabon (After extra time)
14/10/25 – Nigeria 4-0 Benin
10/10/25 – Lesotho 1-2 Nigeria
09/09/25 – South Africa 1-1 Nigeria
06/09/25 – Nigeria 1-0 Rwanda
DR Congo preview: Compact, disciplined, and dangerous on the break
DR Congo arrive with no injuries or suspensions, giving Sebastien Desabre a full squad to choose from. Aaron Wan-Bissaka is expected to start at right-back, while Cedric Bakambu remains the focal point in attack.
Their 1-0 win over Cameroon underlined their discipline and patience. They may sit deep and wait for transition moments, hoping to frustrate Nigeria and strike late once again.
DR Congo predicted lineup: Mpasi, Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Kayemba, Moutoussamy, Pickel, Sadiki, Mbuku, Bakambu & Bongonda
DR Congo’s last five results
13/11/25 – DR Congo 1-0 Cameroon
14/10/25 – DR Congo 1-0 Sudan
10/10/25 – Togo 0-1 DR Congo
09/09/25 – DR Congo 2-3 Senegal
05/09/25 – South Sudan 1-4 DR Congo
Player to Watch: Victor Osimhen
Osimhen’s brace against Gabon showed his ability to decide big games, and he is now just six goals away from Yekini’s iconic record, offering an extra incentive.
With his movement, strength, and finishing, he remains the biggest threat on the pitch in a match where chances may be limited.