WCQ: Super Eagles must start strong to avoid upset against DR Congo

Nigeria Super Eagles face DR Congo in 2026 World Cup playoff final. Must-win clash: Osimhen vs Wan-Bissaka, tactics, key players & predictions.

The Super Eagles must Beat DR Congo if they want to keep their World Cup hopes alive. (Photo credit: Pulse)

The Super Eagles of Nigeria are set to face DR Congo in the continental playoff final for the 2026 World Cup.

After failing to qualify automatically, the Super Eagles of Nigeria have a chance to qualify through the playoffs, and while the game against DR Congo isn’t the end of their travails, they must, however, beat what is in front of them.

Should Nigeria beat DR Congo on Sunday, they will advance to the intercontinental final, where they will play a country from other confederations, but for a fact, they must beat what is in front of them, which is DR Congo, who beat Cameroon to get here.

While Nigeria needed extra time to beat Gabon, the DR Congo edged Cameroon in a tense semifinal with a late goal by Chancel Mbemba. The former Newcastle defender fired in a shot from a corner at the back post with Andre Onana left flapping on the ground.

The Super Eagles are the stronger side on paper, but games like this one aren’t played by names but by sheer determination and grit. Like DR Congo did against Cameroon, they would seek to soak up pressure and then stretch the game until late on.

Nigeria must start strong like they did against Gabon; however, they must take their chances early to avoid pressure. Eric Chelle must select the appropriate players to prevent DR Congo from gaining confidence and momentum in the game on Sunday.

DR Congo will rely on the Premier League experience of Aaron Wan Bissaka at right back and the quality of the duo of Axel Tuanzebe and Arthur Masuaku across the defence; it’s left to see how they stop Victor Osimhen, who added two goals to his tally against the Panthers.

For Nigeria, fans are expecting Eric Chelle to return to the 4-3-3 formation, which allows one more midfielder against the classic 4-4-2 that he deployed against the Gabonese side. Will Club Brugge midfielder Frank Onyedika make the cut against DR Congo?

Ademola Lookman struggled against DR Congo as he’s being eased back into regular football after a tough summer, and Fulham winger Samuel Chukwueze needs to exert himself more in the game if he’s called on from the start.

In defence, Stanley Nwabali’s fitness is under question, but he should be able to start, while youngster Benjamin Frederick will look to shine again alongside Calvin Bassey. It’s a game you expect the Super Eagles to win, but they must earn it.