Nigeria and DR Congo compete tonight in the CAF play-off final at Rabat's Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Morocco. The winner secures Africa's sole spot in next year's inter-confederation play-offs for the 2026 World Cup.
The match kicks off at 7pm GMT and will not be televised in the UK. Fans can watch via FIFA+ live stream.
Both teams reached this final through dramatic semi-final victories on Thursday. Nigeria defeated Gabon 4-1 after extra-time, with Victor Osimhen scoring a brace. DR Congo edged past Cameroon with a 91st-minute goal from Chancel Mbemba.
Key Team News
Nigeria received a significant boost when CAF clarified on Saturday that accumulated yellow cards reset before the play-offs. This makes defensive midfielder Wilfred Ndidi available for selection despite earlier concerns about suspension.
Coach Eric Chelle may consider changes to his attacking lineup. Chidera Ejuke impressed off the bench against Gabon and is pushing to start. Ademola Lookman returns from suspension but could face competition for his place alongside Samuel Chukwueze, with both having struggled against Gabon.
Nigeria will be without Ola Aina for several months due to injury.
DR Congo faces no fresh injuries or suspensions. Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who switched allegiance from England in August, is expected to start. Striker Cedric Bakambu sits just two goals shy of the nation's all-time scoring record. Yoane Wissa remains absent from the squad.
World Cup Stakes
The winner advances to the inter-confederation play-offs in March next year. Six teams from five confederations will compete for the final two spots at the 2026 World Cup.
The expanded tournament features 48 teams and will be hosted across the USA, Mexico and Canada. The draw takes place on December 5.
Historical Context
Head-to-head meetings between the nations are surprisingly rare. DR Congo holds the advantage with three wins to Nigeria's two, plus one draw.
Nigeria last appeared at the World Cup in 2018, where they were eliminated at the group stage. DR Congo's only World Cup participation came in 1974 when the country was known as Zaire.
Betting odds favor Nigeria at 11/10, with DR Congo at 2/1 and a draw at 6/4.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
