Victor Osimhen could prove decisive when Nigeria faces the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday in a high-stakes 2026 World Cup playoff clash in Rabat. The winner will advance to a six-nation intercontinental tournament in Mexico next March, while the loser will miss the expanded 48-nation World Cup hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Nigeria and DR Congo earned this second chance after finishing as the best runners-up from nine African qualifying groups. In the semi-finals, Osimhen starred for the Super Eagles, scoring twice in extra time to secure a 4-1 win over Gabon, while Chancel Mbemba’s late strike gave DR Congo a 1-0 victory over Cameroon.
The 26-year-old Osimhen, Galatasaray’s striker and 2023 African Player of the Year, has been a constant threat since helping Nigeria reach the playoffs with a hat-trick in a 4-0 triumph over Benin last month. Despite wearing a protective mask for facial injuries sustained four years ago, he came agonizingly close to scoring multiple times against Gabon, including a missed chance in added time that left him frustrated.
“I was gutted after that miss. Sometimes I score amazing goals no one expects, and other times I miss when everyone expects me to score,” Osimhen admitted. “I promised my teammates I’d find the net in extra time, and I did twice.”
Nigeria, six-time World Cup participants since their debut in 1994, are determined not to miss consecutive tournaments, having failed to qualify for Qatar three years ago after a playoff loss to Ghana. Despite a 19-place advantage in the world rankings over DR Congo, coach Eric Chelle remains cautious.
“The win over Gabon means nothing on its own. DR Congo are formidable opponents, and we must focus fully,” Chelle said. “Our key against Gabon was passion and teamwork. We must rediscover that against the Congolese.”
DR Congo, led by centre-back Chancel Mbemba of Ligue 1 club Lille, have been transformed by French coach Sebastien Desabre into a disciplined and combative side. Although they have only appeared once at the World Cup, in 1974 when the country was known as Zaire, Desabre vows they will give their all against Nigeria.
The Prince Heritier Moulay El Hassan Stadium, with a 22,000-seat capacity, will host the first-ever meeting between Nigeria and DR Congo in World Cup qualifying. Beyond Africa, the intercontinental playoff will feature Bolivia and New Caledonia from other regions, with Asia represented by either Iraq or UAE, and Central America and the Caribbean sending Jamaica and Panama.
Nigeria now pins its hopes on Osimhen to lead the Super Eagles into the next stage of their World Cup journey.
