These two nations have never previously met in a competitive fixture. Nigeira have won only one of the last five friendlies between the two, most recently drawing 1-1 in Port Harcourt in 2018.
Nigeria vs DR Congo preview
After a dramatic night of African play-off semi-finals on Thursday, who will keep their World Cup dreams alive with victory in this final at Moulay Hassan Stadium?
In the day's earlier tie, Nigeria appeared set to defeat Gabon, Akor Adams opening the scoring 12 minutes from time, only for the Panthères to snatch an equaliser in the final few seconds. Once in extra time, the Super Eagles were able to flex their muscles, going back in front through Chidera Ejuke, before Victor Osimhen netted twice to secure their passage into this final.
Nigeria have qualified for six of the last eight World Cups, only missing out on 2006 and 2022 since their debut, ousted on away goals by Ghana three years ago. This time round, they made a complete mess of qualification, winning just four of ten matches in Group C, ultimately finishing one point below South Africa. Now though, can Éric Chelle's side seize this second chance to reach North America?
As for DR Congo, in contrast, their sole World Cup appearance came in 1974 as Zaire, losing all three matches, conceding 14 goals and scoring zero. In more recent times, they've reached the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals in 2015 and last year, so are now desperate to end their World Cup exile.
In their own play-off semi-final on Thursday, DR Congo's clash with Cameroon was nervy and seemed set for extra time until, in injury time, Chancel Mbemba fired home the winner, sparking wild scenes of celebration. The Léopards had previously won seven of their ten games in Group B, accumulating five more points than Nigeria, only pipped to qualification by a near-flawless Senegal. Thus, Sébastien Desabre's side might just feel they come into this tie as favourites.
The winners of this clash in Rabāṭ will advance to March's inter-confederation play-off tournament, in which they'll be favourites to make it to the World Cup proper, considering the other participants are Bolivia, New Caledonia, UAE or Iraq and two CONCACAF nations. So, who will move on step closer to the World Cup at Moulay Hassan Stadium, and who will see their dreams go up in smoke on Sunday?
Nigeria vs DR Congo head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 6.
- Nigeria Wins: 2. Draws: 1. DR Congo Wins: 3.
Nigeria team news
Mixed team news for Éric Chelle. Captain Wilfred Ndidi is suspended, having been booked on Thursday, but centre-back Semi Ajayi can return following a ban of his own.
Ola Aina, Kelechi Ịheanachọ, Cyriel Dessers and Victor Boniface are all not in the squad, with Raphael Onyedika and Frank Onyeka set to come into the midfield to offset the absence of Ndidi.
Fulham duo Alex Iwobi and Samu Chukwueze are expected to keep their place out-wide, alongside Ademola Lookman, another man who once called Craven Cottage home.
Nigeria predicted lineup vs DR Congo: (4-2-3-1): Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Sanusi; Onyedika, Onyeka, Chukwueze, Iwobi, Lookman; Osimhen
Nigeria player to watch vs DR Congo
Victor Osimhen remains Nigeria's main man for goals. His double on Thursday takes his tally to 31 for the Super Eagles, of which eight have come in World Cup qualifying, so can he make sure their campaign continues beyond this match?
DR Congo team news
Sébastien Desabre can welcome back winger Meschak Elia, who was forced to serve a suspension against Cameroon in the semi-final.
Captain Chancel Mbemba, who was the hero on Thursday, will start alongside Premier League duo Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe in defence, with Noah Sadiki of Sunderland in midfield.
In attack, Michel-Ange Balikwisha of Celtic has switched his international allegiance from Belgium, so will be hoping to debut here, having been an unused substitute in mid-week. Striker Yoane Wissa remains sidelined due to a posterior cruciate ligament injury suffered in September.
DR Congo predicted lineup vs Nigeria: (4-3-3): Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Kayembe; Sadiki, Moutoussamy, Pickel; Bongonda, Elia, Bakambu.
DR Congo player to watch vs Nigeria
Cédric Bakambu remains DR Congo's main man in attack, having bagged his 20th goal for the Léopards against Togo in Lomé last month, so will he be their hero here?
Nigeria vs DR Congo prediction
Matches do not come much bigger than this clash in Rabāṭ on Sunday night which is so tough to call, but we give the slight edge to Nigeria, albeit any outcome is very possible: Nigeria 2-1 DR Congo.
Nigeria vs DR Congo FAQs - World Cup play-off final
How to watch Nigeria vs DR Congo in World Cup qualification on TV channel?
Nigeria vs DR Congo in World Cup qualification will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: FIFA+
- USA: ESPN Select & fuboTV
How to watch Nigeria vs DR Congo in World Cup qualification on live streaming?
Nigeria vs DR Congo in World Cup qualification will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: FIFA+
- USA: ESPN Select & fuboTV
What is the date and kick-off time for Nigeria vs DR Congo in World Cup qualification?
Nigeria vs DR Congo takes place on Sunday 16 November 2025, with kick off at 19:00 (GMT), 14:00 (ET) & 11:00 (PT).