Nigeria’s Super Eagles and DR Congo will face off for a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after both teams secured dramatic victories in Rabat to reach the Africa playoff final.

DR Congo earned their place by narrowly defeating Cameroon 1–0 in a tense showdown at Stade El Barid. The match seemed destined for extra time until Chancel Mbemba delivered a decisive moment in stoppage time.

The Leopards captain broke free from his marker and expertly headed in Brian Cipenga’s corner in the first minute of added time, silencing the Cameroonian bench and eliminating the five-time African champions from contention.

The loss means Cameroon, Africa’s most frequent World Cup participant, will miss out on next year’s expanded 48-team tournament. Their hopes had already been dented after losing the automatic qualification spot to debutants Cape Verde.

Gossip News Now reports that Nigeria had previously booked their place in the playoff final with a 4–1 triumph over Gabon at Moulay Hassan Stadium. The Super Eagles appeared to have the match under control when Akor Adams scored in the 78th minute, but Gabon’s Mario Lemina equalized with a deflected strike just before full-time.

Despite the late goal, Nigeria quickly regained momentum. Chidera Ejuke put the Eagles ahead in extra time with his first international goal, and Victor Osimhen then dominated the period, netting twice to secure a convincing victory and confirm Nigeria’s place in the final.

Both teams will now focus on Sunday’s decisive clash in Morocco. The winner will advance to the six-team intercontinental playoff in Mexico in March 2026, which will determine the final two countries joining the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.