Nigeria vs DR Congo preview, prediction, team news and head-to-head

The Super Eagles recorded a dramatic 4-1 extra-time victory over Gabon, while Chancel Mbemba scored a stoppage-time winner for the Leopards in a 1-0 against Cameroon.

The Super Eagles took the lead in the 78th after Akor Adams made the most of a slip-up, but just as they thought that would be enough, Mario Lemina restored parity in the 89th minute via a deflected shot.

However, Eric Chelle’s side raised the bar in extra time, with substitute Chidera Ejuke restoring Nigeria’s lead before Victor Osimhen bagged a brace to take the game beyond doubt.

The West Africans have one more hurdle to scale, as DR Congo shocked Cameroon with a late goal to book their spot against the Super Eagles.

The winner of this clash will advance to the inter-confederation play-offs in Mexico next year, where the final two World Cup slots will be determined.

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This will be the seventh meeting between Nigeria and DR Congo, and the Leopards hold a slightly better record with three wins to the Super Eagles’s two, with one draw.

The last encounter between these nations was a 1-1 draw in a friendly in 2018.

Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi was feared to be suspended after picking up his second yellow card in this qualifying campaign in the win over Gabon.

However, CAF have come out to clear him, stating that yellow cards in the group stage are not carried into the playoffs.

Osimhen has scored 31 goals for Nigeria, six short of Rashidi Yekini’s 37 goals, and he will look to edge closer.

Meanwhile, DR Congo have no injury concerns or suspensions ahead of this clash. 

West Ham’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka will start from the right side of defence, while Cédric Bakambu leads the line.

Nigeria: Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Frederick, Bassey, Sanusi; Chukwueze, Ndidi, Iwobi, Ejuke; Osimhen, Adams

DR Congo: Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Kayemba; Moutoussamy, Pickel, Sadiki; Mbuku, Bakambu, Bongonda

DR Congo showed defensive resilience against Cameroon, but that might not be enough against Nigeria, who possess superior attacking talents.

The Leopards did not show enough in attack, and they had to ride their luck at times against the indomitable Lions. 

Correct score prediction: Nigeria 1-0 DR Congo

Betting tips:

• Nigeria to win

• Victor Osimhen anytime goalscorer

• Under 9.5 corners