DR Congo stunned Nigeria on penalties to keep their World Cup dreams alive and knock out the Super Eagles in a dramatic play-off final upset.
Frank Onyeka’s deflected opener for Nigeria was cancelled out by a DR Congo equaliser in the first half, with Meschak Elia punishing Wilfried Ndidi’s mistake. DR Congo were the better of the two teams but neither could settle the match in extra time and so it went to penalties.
Nigeria made the worst possible start with Calvin Bassey and Moses Simon missing their first two kicks of the shoot-out as DR Congo’s Noah Sadiki became the first to score. But Akor Adams replied for Nigeria and then goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali saved from Axel Tuanzebe.
After Bruno Onyemaechi and Chidera Ejuke scored for Nigeria, Michel-Ange Balikwisha sent the shoot-out into sudden-death. But Semi Ajayi’s kick was saved by Timothy Fayulu and DR Congo skipper Chancel Mbemba, who scored the winner against Cameroon in the semi-finals, sent them through.
DR Congo have only played in the World Cup once in 1974, when the country was called Zaire. As the winners of the CAF play-off final, to be held in the Moroccan capital Rabat, they will advance to March’s inter-continental play-offs, joining the likes of Bolivia and New Caledonia.
Follow the latest updates from Nigeria vs DR Congo below:
Nigeria vs DR Congo live: Latest score and updates
- DR Congo beat Nigeria on penalties in CAF World Cup qualifying play-off
- DR Congo advance to intercontinental play-off final in 2026
- GOAL! Congo captain Mbemba secures victory on penalties [NAG
- 32' GOAL! Elia equalises after Ndidi mistake [NGA 1-1 DRC]
- 4' GOAL! Deflected Onyeka effort opens scoring [NGA 1-0 DRC]
Nigeria coach alleges DR Congo ‘did some voodoo’ during penalty shoot-out defeat in World Cup qualifying
08:14 , Jamie BraidwoodNigeria head coach Eric Chelle accused DR Congo’s players of doing “voodoo” during their penalty shoot-out victory over the Super Eagles to send them through to the World Cup intercontinental play-offs.
Nigeria’s Calvin Bassey and Moses Simon missed their first two penalties of the shoot-out before Semi Ajayi’s kick was saved by DR Congo Timothy Fayulu in sudden-death. After Mbemba’s winning penalty, Nigeria head coach Chelle confronted the opposing team’s coaching staff, The Athletic reported.
Chelle then spoke to reporters in the mixed zone and was asked about the confrontation. “During the penalty shoot-out, the players of Congo did some some voodoo. Every time, every time. So this is why.”
Nigeria coach alleges DR Congo ‘did some voodoo’ during penalty shoot-out defeat
CONGO THROUGH TO THE PLAY-OFFS!
Sunday 16 November 2025 22:17 , Chris WilsonAlong with DR Congo, Bolivia and New Caledonia, Jamaica and Panama are well-positioned to join them, with the UAE and Iraq facing off in the Asian play-off.
CONGO THROUGH TO THE PLAY-OFFS!
Sunday 16 November 2025 22:07 , Chris WilsonCongo have advanced through to the inter-confederation play-offs in March.
Six teams will play in the inter-confederation playoffs: one from Conmebol, one from Oceania, one from Asia, one from Africa, and two from Concacaf.
So far, Bolivia and New Caledonia have secured their respective spots.
The two highest-ranked teams will get byes to the two finals, while the remaining four teams will play semifinals ties to reach the final.
CONGO THROUGH TO THE PLAY-OFFS!
Sunday 16 November 2025 22:00 , Chris WilsonDR Congo take their place in the inter-confederation play-offs next year.
They will face teams from other continents, including potentially Bolivia and New Caledonia, for the final two places in the World Cup.
CONGO THROUGH TO THE PLAY-OFFS!
Sunday 16 November 2025 21:55 , Chris WilsonPENALTIES! Nigeria 3-4 DR Congo
Captain Mbemba steps up and sends Nwabali the wrong way and the Leopards win the CAF play-off final!
PENALTIES! Nigeria 3-3 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 21:54 , Chris WilsonSAVED!
Ajayi up next for Nigeria...but he telegraphs it and Fayulu dives to his left to make the save!
Congo can win it if they score their next one!
PENALTIES! Nigeria 3-3 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 21:53 , Chris WilsonGOAL!
Balikwisha puts his penalty into the side-netting! Great hit.
Into sudden death here!
PENALTIES! Nigeria 3-2 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 21:52 , Chris WilsonGOAL!
Ejuke is up and he puts a calm, composed effort right down the middle. Congo must score their next one!
PENALTIES! Nigeria 2-2 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 21:51 , Chris WilsonGOAL!
A great effort from Mayele, side-footing an effort into the corner and sending Nwabali the wrong way.
PENALTIES! Nigeria 2-1 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 21:50 , Chris WilsonGOAL!
Another lovely penalty from Nigeria as Onyemaechi steps up and finds the corner.
2-1 to the Super Eagles with three pens each taken.
PENALTIES! Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 21:49 , Chris WilsonSAVED!
Tuazebe steps up too casually and telegraphs his penalty, with Nwabali diving to his left to save.
PENALTIES! Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 21:48 , Chris WilsonGOAL! A great pen.
Akor Adams step up next and side-foots a lovely penalty into the right-hand corner.
PENALTIES! Nigeria 0-1 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 21:47 , Chris WilsonGOAL!
Sadiki up next for Congo. Can he be the first scorer?
He can! He takes a quick run-up and rifles a low effort under Nwabali.
1-0 to Congo with each side having taken two penalties.
PENALTIES! Nigeria 0-0 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 21:46 , Chris WilsonSAVED!
Moses Simon up next...it’s another save!
Another tame effort, just to the left of the centre of the goal, and Fayulu saves easily enough.
PENALTIES! Nigeria 0-0 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 21:45 , Chris WilsonSAVED!
Congo’s first penalty taker will be Moutoussamy – and he sees his spot-kick saved by Nwabali!
A tame effort and we’re at 0-0 after one penalty each.
PENALTIES! Nigeria 0-0 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 21:44 , Chris WilsonMISSED!
Bassey steps up and rifles it over the bar! the worst possible start for Nigeria.
PENALTIES! Nigeria 0-0 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 21:42 , Chris WilsonHere we go then! Nigeria’s Calvin Bassey is the first to take a penalty.
FULL-TIME! Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 21:38 , Chris WilsonWe’re heading to penalties! The referee blows the final whistle and we need spot kicks to separate these two sides.
Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 21:38 , Chris Wilson120 mins
CLOSE! Perhaps a final chance for DR Congo as the cross comes in from the right and Mbemba forces a good save from Nwabali with a header!
Into the first of two minutes of added time here.
Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 21:36 , Chris Wilson119 mins
A change of ‘keeper here for Congo as Mpasi makes way for Timothy Fayulu!
Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 21:34 , Chris Wilson118 mins
Edging towards penalties here, and both sides look out on their feet on the pitch in Rabat.
Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 21:33 , Chris Wilson116 mins
A cross from the left almost makes its way to a marauding Wan-Bissaka on the right but he can’t convert it.
Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 21:30 , Chris Wilson113 mins
Congo remain the better of the two sides and they look more interested in winning this one in extra-time, while Nigeria arguably look like they’d settle for penalties here.
Nigeria make a sub as Arokodare comes off for Chidozie Awaziem.
Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 21:29 , Chris Wilson112 mins
A break in play now as Fredrick goes down with what looks like cramp.
Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 21:25 , Chris Wilson108 mins
Congo have the ball in the net but the referee blows for a foul!
The cross came in from the right and Sadiki managed to climb over Ajayi to finish it, but he’s penalised for a high challenge on the Nigeria defender.
KICK-OFF! Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 21:23 , Chris WilsonBack underway in Rabat. Will there be anything to separate these sides?
HALF-TIME! Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 21:18 , Chris WilsonThe referee blows the whistle for half-time in extra-time and we’re edging towards penalties in Rabat!
Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 21:14 , Chris Wilson103 mins
And a chance for Nigeria now too! Arokodare should do better.
The ball is swung in from the left and he rises highest to head in goalwards, but it’s well over from less than 10 yards out!
Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 21:12 , Chris Wilson100 mins
CLOSE! A chance for Mayele, who brings down the ball with his back to goal before turning and fizzing a shot narrowly over.
Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 21:09 , Chris Wilson97 mins
The flag goes up against Mayele once more, but all of the positive play is coming from Congo here.
Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 21:07 , Chris Wilson95 mins
Another change for Nigeria as Sanusi comes off for Bruno Onyemaechi.
Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 21:06 , Chris Wilson93 mins
Congo have started in the ascendancy again, and they ave the ball in the net but the whistle is blown for a foul.
Cipenga tried the overhead kick but fouled Nwabali and then the ball was tapped into the empty net, but the flag went up.
KICK-OFF! Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 21:01 , Chris WilsonBack underway in Rabat! We’ll hope for more entertainment than that second half offered.
FULL-TIME! Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 20:55 , Chris Wilson90 +3 mins
The referee blows the final whistle and we’re headed into extra-time in Rabat!
Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 20:52 , Chris Wilson90 +1 mins
Into the first of three minutes of added time!
Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 20:51 , Chris Wilson88 mins
Almost a brilliant chance as Cipenga swings in a great cross but Wan-Bissaka can’t connect with the bicycle kick!
Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 20:49 , Chris Wilson86 mins
Can either side nick it here? Congo look the likelier of the two but Nigeria have plenty of talent still on the pitch too . Who wants it more?
Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 20:46 , Chris Wilson83 mins
What a chance for Congo!
Nwabali has the ball in his box and he’s under pressure from two Congo attackers. He can't find the space to play it though them and Cipenga intercepts, but he cant’d get the shot away and it goes to Mbuku, who was in an offside position!
Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 20:43 , Chris Wilson81 mins
Still, neither side looks any closer to scoring, though Nigeria have improved since bringing on the second striker.
Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 20:40 , Chris Wilson78 mins
Ndidi is fouled midway into the Congo half and Nigeria will have a chance to swing the ball into the area – but it’s cleared.
Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 20:38 , Chris Wilson76 mins
Another change for Nigeria, with Iwobi coming off for Tolu Arokodare.
Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 20:37 , Chris Wilson74 mins
Nigeria have really struggled since Osimhen came off, and you would say it’s DR Congo who look more likely to find a winner.
Neither side is creating much though, with no real chances of note in the second half.
Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 20:34 , Chris Wilson72 mins
Subs for Congo, with goalscorer Elia and Mukau off for Edo Kayembe and Brian Cipenga.
Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 20:31 , Chris Wilson69 mins
Sanusi’s cross is troubling the Congo defence and Mpasi misjudges it when coming off his line to collect, but thankfully for the DRC ‘keeper the flag goes up for offside.
Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 20:29 , Chris Wilson67 mins
It's become very cagey in Rabat, and you can feel the tension in the stadium.
Not a lot happening in attack for either side.
Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 20:26 , Chris Wilson64 mins
Mukau swings in a cross that Mayele is almost able to bring down in the box, but the defender does well to block the shot.
Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 20:24 , Chris Wilson61 mins
Congo have started to create the better of the attacking chances of late, with the Leopards benefitting from Nigeria’s lack of a target man since Osimhen went off.
The Super Eagles have started to lose possession a lot more frequently this half.
Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 20:22 , Chris Wilson58 mins
A VAR review here as Lookman flies into the back of Sadiki in the Nigeria box. No penalty given though.
That’s Lookman’s last involvement as both him and Chukwueze come off for Moses Simon and Chidera Ejuke.
Congo make a change too, as Bakambu comes off for Fiston Mayele.
Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 20:15 , Chris Wilson53 mins
A couple of half-chances for Congo after they work the ball well on the edge of the box before the shot is deflected.
From the corner, the ball in at the near post is headed goalwards but Nwabali saves well.
Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 20:12 , Chris Wilson50 mins
A Congo attack ends with the cross going just out of reach of Makambu in the box.
No chances for either side yet in this half.
Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 20:10 , Chris Wilson47 mins
We’ve had an early change at half-time too, with Victor Osimhen making way for Akor Adams.
Not sure if it’s down to injury but that’s a blow for the Super Eagles!
KICK-OFF! Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 20:06 , Chris WilsonBack underway here! Will it be Nigeria or DR Congo who reach the inter-continental play-offs?
HALF-TIME! Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 20:05 , Chris WilsonBoth sides are re-emerging from the tunnel so we should be getting re-started soon in Rabat!
HALF-TIME! Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 19:57 , Chris WilsonSo, it was the perfect start for Nigeria as they were gifted a goal via a deflection within five minutes, but the Super Eagles failed to press home that advantage and they go into the break level.
Congo didn’t threaten all that much but they were able to find the quality when it mattered, with Elia’s accomplished finish meaning they’re still in the game.
Nevertheless, the Leopards will have to offer more than they did in the first half if they want to win this.
Nigeria will be confident of taking the win on the evidence of the first half, but they need to find that last bit of quality in the final third.
HALF-TIME! Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 19:50 , Chris WilsonThe referee blows the whistle for the end of the first half, and we go into the break with the sides level.
It’s not been a classic in Rabat but it’s been an interesting half in many respects, but we’re no closer to knowing who will take Africa’s place in the inter-confederation play-offs!
Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 19:47 , Chris Wilson45 +1 mins
Into the first of three minutes of added time in this one.
Nigeria have possession again but they’re not in a rush to go forward at the moment.
Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 19:46 , Chris Wilson44 mins
Lovely dribbling from Lookman to set up a shot for Iwobi, and though his effort is blocked is leads to a free-kick in a dangerous position as Onyeka is brought down challenging for the loose ball.
It’s a poor routine as Lookman can't find Osimhen.
Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 19:43 , Chris Wilson41 mins
A moment of poor control for Chukwueze means another potential chance goes begging for Nigeria, before some good defending from Fredrick prevents a ball into the box.
Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 19:40 , Chris Wilson37 mins
That goal will have shocked Nigeria, who have been pretty dominant up to now, though the Super Eagles may come to rue those missed chances earlier.
They go close with another corner, with some pinball in the box and nobody there to shoot despite players lining up for it!
GOAL! Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 19:36 , Chris Wilson32 mins
GOAL! DR Congo are level!
It all comes from a mistake from Iwobi, who loses possession before the Leopards launch a counter. They sweep it quickly to Bakambu, who fires in a cross into the area around the penalty spot.
Ndidi is there to try and clear but his touch only serves to put it on a plate for Mechak Elia, who finishes well from close range.
Nigeria 1-0 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 19:33 , Chris Wilson31 mins
Nigeria still in control here as we enter the final 15 minutes of the first half.
The Super Eagles are still creating the more dangerous chances too, with Osimhen the latest to go close to finding a teammate in the area as his ball to Lookman is snatched up by Mpasi.
Nigeria 1-0 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 19:29 , Chris Wilson27 mins
Axel Tuanzebe is the latest Congo player to have an attempt at goal, though his header goes well wide from a corner.
Nigeria 1-0 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 19:26 , Chris Wilson24 mins
CLOSE! Nigeria should have a second!
They win the ball high and it’s played to Lookman in the Congo half, with the Atalanta man in acres of space.
He drives into the box before trying to pick out one of the three Nigeria teammates in the area...but he fails to do so and the chance goes begging!
It was more the fault of a lack of communication between Chukwueze and Onyeka really.
Nigeria 1-0 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 19:24 , Chris Wilson21 mins
A few Congo attacks have broken down due to a little lack of quality on the final ball, with Nwabali picking up another poor cross.
Not an awful lot of joy in attack for the Leopards.
Nigeria 1-0 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 19:21 , Chris Wilson18 mins
Not a bad effort from distance from Onyeka, who rifles a volley too close to Mpasi moments after Lookman saw his cross cleared.
Nigeria 1-0 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 19:18 , Chris Wilson15 mins
A bit of a lull in activity here as DR Congo look to get back into it, with Nigeria happy to let them have it for now as Wan-Bissaka’s cross has too much on it.
Nigeria 1-0 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 19:14 , Chris Wilson11 mins
Mechak wins a free-kick for DR Congo near the corner flag and this could be a chance to get the ball into the box.
It leads to a chance too, as Nwabali spills the cross before it’s fired over on the rebound by Mukau!
Nigeria 1-0 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 19:10 , Chris Wilson8 mins
A couple of half-chances for Nigeria there, with Lookman snatching at the cross before Ndidi fires a shot wide from outside the area.
Nigeria 1-0 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 19:09 , Chris Wilson7 mins
Neither side had a chance to settle before that goal but Nigeria are ahead! Not the ideal start for the DR Congo.
Nigeria are beginning to knock it around confidently now, with Sanusi looking to get involved again moments after clipping in the early cross that led to the goal.
GOAL! Nigeria 1-0 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 19:06 , Chris Wilson4 mins
GOAL! The opener out of nothing for Nigeria!
The cross comes from the right and it’s knocked back into the path of Onyeka, who hits a first-time shot that is deflected past the ‘keeper and in!
Nigeria 0-0 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 19:04 , Chris Wilson3 mins
Plenty of exchanges of possession early on here, with neither side able to really get the ball on the ground to hold possession.
KICK-OFF! Nigeria 0-0 DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 19:01 , Chris WilsonUnderway in Rabat! Who will grab Africa’s play-off place for next year?
Nigeria vs DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 18:56 , Chris WilsonBoth sides are in the tunnel in Rabat, so we'll be underway soon!
Nigeria vs DR Congo
Sunday 16 November 2025 18:50 , Chris WilsonOnly 10 minutes until kick-off now, so here’s a reminder of how you can watch tonight’s game.
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live for free via the Fifa+ streaming service by following this link.
Who else has qualified?
Sunday 16 November 2025 18:40 , Chris WilsonWith qualifying mostly wrapping up this week – having done so much earlier in some areas – here’s the full breakdown of which teams have qualified for the World Cup so far.
Only New Zealand have qualified from the Oceania group, with the All Whites having benefitted from the extended tournament to take the federation’s only automatic qualification place for the first time.
In South America, Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Uruguay, Colombia and Paraguay have all secured a place at the tournament, and they could be joined by Bolivia.
In Asia, eight qualification spots were cup for grabs, and they have gone to Japan, Iran, Uzbekistan, South Korea, Jordan, Australia, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
Among the Concacaf sides, USA, Canada and Mexico qualified automatically as co-hosts, with the other three spots still up for grabs.
And in Europe, England have been joined by France and Croatia so far, with several groups settled today and over the coming days.
DR Congo XI: Mpasi; Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Masuaku, Bissaka; Moutoussamy, Mukau, Sadiki, Mbuku, Elia, Bakambu.
Subs: Fayulu, Epolo, E. Kayembe, S. Kapuadi, G. Kalulu, Pickel, Essende, Stroeykens, F. Mayele, M.-A. Balikwisha, R. Bushiri, B. Cipenga.
📢 MATCHDAY | 🇳🇬 Nigeria 🆚 RD Congo 🇨🇩
— Fecofa RDC_Officiel (@FecofaRdc) November 16, 2025
🏟 Stade Prince Héritier Moulay Hassan (Rabat, Maroc)
🕗 Coup d’envoi : 20h (heure de Kinshasa)
🏆 Finale – Barrage Coupe du Monde 2026 (Zone Afrique)
🐆 Le XI de départ des Léopards :
🧤 Mpasi (GK) – Mbemba (C) – Tuanzebe – Masuaku –… pic.twitter.com/b1Ktuu8la7
Who could the winners face?
Sunday 16 November 2025 18:30 , Chris WilsonAs mentioned above, the winner of tonight's match will go into the inter-confederation play-offs, which take place in Mexico next year.
They will face off against teams from other continents in order to decide the final two qualification spots for next year’s tournament.
They will be the only African team at the play-offs, while there will be one team from the Asian Football Confederation, one team from the Oceanic Football Confederation, one team from Conmebol (South America) and two teams from Concacaf, the North & Central American federation.
Currently, Bolivia have taken the Conmebol place while minnows New Caledonia will represent the Oceanic region.
Panama and Jamaica are well-placed to fight out for the Concacaf spots, while the UAE face Iraq in the second leg of their play-off on 18 November to decide the Asian representative.
Which African nations have qualified?
Sunday 16 November 2025 18:15 , Chris WilsonThe teams who finished top of each CAF qualifying group secured automatic qualification for the World Cup, while the best-ranked second-place sides – which were Nigeria, Gabon, Cameroon and DR Congo – went into the play-offs in order to secure a spot in the inter-confederation play-offs, which take place next year.
The African countries who have secured qualification are:
- Egypt
- Senegal
- South Africa
- Cape Verde
- Morocco
- Ivory Coast
- Algeria
- Tunisia
- Ghana
Team news
Sunday 16 November 2025 18:06 , Chris WilsonNigeria XI: Nwabali; Ajayi, Fredrick, Bassey, Sanusi; Onyeka, Ndidi, Iwobi; Lookman, Osimhen, Chukwueze.
Subs: Okoye, Ekong, Ejuke, Adams, Arokodare, Simon, Onyemaechi, Abdullahi, Obasogie, Osayi, Adike, Awaziem.
TEAM NEWS 🗞️
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) November 16, 2025
🔃 Two changes from our win over Gabon.
🪄 Iwobi pulls the strings in midfield.
🔝 Osimhen leads the line.#SoarSuperEagles #NGADRC #FIFAWCQ2026 pic.twitter.com/jFdJRgUHPj
Team news
Sunday 16 November 2025 17:55 , Chris WilsonThe line-ups should be released in the next five minutes or so, so here’s a reminder of the early team news.
Nigeria boss Eric Chelle has close to a full-strength squad available, welcoming Ademola Lookman back from suspension to join Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze in attack. The only injury involving the Super Eagles regards Ola Aina, who has been out for a couple of months.
DR Congo will continue to bemoan the absence of Yoane Wissa, though their attacking threat isn’t exactly non-existent with Cedric Bakambu up top, who is two goals shy of the nation’s all-time record holder Dieumerci Mbokani. Aaron Wan-Bissaka, relatively fresh off changing allegiances from England back in August, will also be expected to start.
World Cup 2026 draw: Date, start time, format and who has qualified?
Sunday 16 November 2025 17:45 , Chris WilsonThe 48 nations competing at the 2026 World Cup will discover their group stage opponents when the draw takes place on 5 December.
The tournament will be the first to feature 48 teams, expanded from 32 in Qatar, and will also be the first World Cup to be hosted by three countries. The majority of 104 games will be staged in the USA (78), with Mexico and Canada hosting 13 each.
The World Cup will begin on 11 June in Mexico’s historic Azteca Stadium, the scene of Brazil’s 1970 glory inspired by Pele and Argentina’s success in 1986 led by Diego Maradona.
It will conclude with the final on 19 July at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Here is everything you need to know.
World Cup 2026 draw: Date, start time, format and who has qualified?
Who can qualify for the World Cup this week?
Sunday 16 November 2025 17:30 , Chris WilsonWorld Cup qualifying is hurtling towards a conclusion with some of the final places ahead of the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico up for grabs over the coming days.
So far, 30 teams have booked their places in what has already been a historic campaign for three first-time qualifiers, with Jordan, Uzbekistan and the Cape Verde islands all through to the 48-team finals.
England, France and Croatia are the only European teams to have qualified so far but the other nine group winners will be gradually confirmed in the next few days as the first round of qualifying finally concludes.
Elsewhere, we have largely reached play-off time across the rest of the world; and that’s before the rest of the European play-offs and inter-continental play-offs in March.
Confusingly, those games will take place after the World Cup draw is made on Friday 5 December.
When is Nigeria vs DR Congo?
Sunday 16 November 2025 17:20 , Chris WilsonThe match will kick off at 7pm GMT (UK time) on Sunday 16 November.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live for free via the Fifa+ streaming service.
What is the team news?
Sunday 16 November 2025 17:10 , Chris WilsonNigeria boss Eric Chelle has close to a full-strength squad available, welcoming Ademola Lookman back from suspension to join Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze in attack. The only injury involving the Super Eagles regards Ola Aina, who has been out for a couple of months.
DR Congo will continue to bemoan the absence of Yoane Wissa, though their attacking threat isn’t exactly non-existent with Cedric Bakambu up top, who is two goals shy of the nation’s all-time record holder Dieumerci Mbokani. Aaron Wan-Bissaka, relatively fresh off changing allegiances from England back in August, will also be expected to start.
Nigeria vs DR Congo | World Cup play-off
Sunday 16 November 2025 17:04 , Chris WilsonNigeria and DR Congo look to keep their World Cup dreams alive as they meet for the chance to go through to the intercontinental play-offs next year.
Victor Osimhen and Chidera Juke were the extra-time heroes for Nigeria as the Super Eagles booked a place in the CAF play-off final with a 4-1 win over Gabon on Thursday.
DR Congo then defeated a talented Cameroon side 1-0 in the other semi-final as Chancel Mbemba’s dramatic winner in stoppage time knocked out the five-time African champions.
DR Congo have only played in the World Cup once in 1974, when the country was called Zaire, while Nigeria are looking to return to the World Cup for the first time since 2018.
The winners of the CAF play-off final, to be held in the Moroccan capital Rabat, will advance to March’s inter-continental play-offs, joining the likes of Bolivia and New Caledonia.
Good evening
Sunday 16 November 2025 16:59 , Chris WilsonHello and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of tonight’s CAF play-off final between Nigeria and DR Congo.
The two sides meet in Morocco to decide which African nation will take the continent’s place in the inter-confederation play-offs, which will pit nations from different continents together for places at the 2026 World Cup.
Nigeria overcame Gabon in the semi-final while DR Congo gained a narrow victory over Cameroon, though both sides will need to be at their best if they are to take another step towards qualification tonight.
We’ll have all the latest build-up, team news and updates right here.
