Nigeria, who looked dead and out of the race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup a few months ago, have now muscled their way into the playoff final against DR Congo on Sunday, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Super Eagles clash with the Leopards in Rabat in a fixture that will decide Africa’s solitary spot in next year’s intercontinental playoff.
Both sides arrive with confidence. Nigeria required extra time to tame Gabon 4–1 after a cagey 1–1 regulation period, while DR Congo stunned the more fancied Cameroon with a disciplined 1–0 victory.
On paper, Nigeria appear slight favourites, but the Leopards have made a habit of upsetting reputations and unsettling rhythms.
So, who are the men likely to shape Nigeria’s destiny on Sunday?
Here are the five Super Eagles to keep an eye on against a DR Congo side that thrives on counter-attacks, discipline, and chaos in equal measure.
1. Stanley Nwabali: The wall who must not blink
If there were ever a match made for extreme concentration, this is it. Nigeria will likely dominate the ball, forcing DR Congo into long spells of compact defending and lightning-quick transitions. That means Stanley Nwabali may spend long stretches as a spectator, until suddenly he isn’t.
The Chippa United keeper has recently developed a reputation for occasional recklessness: a mistimed charge here, an unnecessary flourish there. His maverick edge can be thrilling but also deeply destabilising.
Against a Congolese side that needs only half a moment to punish lapses, Nwabali’s role morphs from mere shot-stopper to full-time sweeper, orchestrator, and guardian of calm.
This final will almost certainly be tight, decided by the odd goal, and in such games the goalkeeper who stays switched on, not the one who makes the most saves, is often the difference. Nigeria will be praying that the most alert man in Rabat wears green and white, not blue.
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2. Ademola Lookman: The quiet storm waiting to strike
Ademola Lookman has not been himself in recent weeks, and Nigeria know it. The Atalanta forward spent the summer embroiled in a club transfer saga that dragged far too long and left his confidence in tatters. His displays these past few weeks against Lesotho, Rwanda, South Africa, Benin and Gabon, reflected a player still searching for rhythm.
But class, as always, is permanent. Eric Chelle trusts Lookman deeply, and there is always that lingering sense that all he needs is one game, one clean connection, one moment of improvisation, to flip the narrative.
DR Congo, with their well-organised defensive structure, may be the perfect opponent for a player who thrives on breaking compact lines and turning half-spaces into highways.
If Lookman finds his spark on Sunday, Nigeria’s attack could look markedly different.
3. Benjamin Fredrick: The Rolls-Royce in Nigeria’s aging garage
At just 20, Benjamin Fredrick has become Nigeria’s new footballing obsession. Calm, elegant, disciplined, and blessed with flawless timing, the Brentford centre-back has risen from Flying Eagles prospect to Super Eagles cornerstone in a matter of months.
Against Gabon as in recent games, Chelle preferred him over captain William Troost-Ekong, a bold decision that highlights just how trusted he has become.
With Semi Ajayi back from suspension, Chelle faces another tough call, but it would surprise no one if Fredrick starts again.
Nigeria have never lost a competitive match with Fredrick on the pitch. His positioning is sharp, his reading of danger is mature beyond his years, and his partnership with Calvin Bassey could be the stabilising force Nigeria desperately need against DR Congo’s aggressive front line.
Another composed masterclass from the youngster could tip the final Nigeria’s way.
4. Moses Simon: The trusted wing magician
When the tactical board turns messy and Plan A begins to wobble, Nigeria often reach for reinstatement via chaos, and that chaos is Moses Simon. He was the spark that reignited the semifinal against Gabon, providing the momentum that led to the crucial opener.
Simon is a winger with all the usual traits: speed, strength, tight dribbling. Few in Nigerian football possess his blend of maturity and unpredictability.
The Paris FC star can beat defenders on the outside, slice inside onto his right foot, or whip in the sort of cross that unsettles defenders. Against a Congolese defence expected to sit deep and deny spaces, Simon’s ability to generate sudden breakthroughs could prove invaluable.
One clever shimmy or one teasing cut-back could be the moment Nigeria carve open the Leopards.
5. Victor Osimhen: The relentless force of nature
There is no bigger stage for Victor Osimhen, and no player in Africa more capable of bending this final to his will. The 2023 African Footballer of the Year and Nigeria’s most valuable player arrives in Rabat fresh from scoring a semifinal brace and with the kind of swagger that defenders dread.
His looming duel with DR Congo captain Chancel Mbemba promises fireworks: power vs power, pace vs grit, stubborn resilience vs unshakeable belief.
Osimhen is now six goals shy of Rashidi Yekini’s all-time record and has made no secret of his desire to chase it down quickly.
When fit, only a few strikers in world football combine speed, physicality, aerial dominance, and predatory instincts like the Galatasaray forward. If Osimhen finds his groove, the Leopards may need more than compact lines and counter-attacks to survive Rabat.