Democratic Republic of Congo defender Noah Sadiki says his side’s dramatic victory over Nigeria in Rabat was built on one key plan: silence Victor Osimhen, and the Super Eagles become a very different team, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 20-year-old Sunderland man offered a candid assessment after DR Congo edged a tense Africa Playoff final 4-3 on penalties to reach the Intercontinental playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The match had finished 1-1 after 120 minutes, with Nigeria delivering a performance that goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has apologised for.
DR Congo midfield enforcer Sadiki said the squad entered the game with one tactical truth in mind.
“We know Osimhen is a big player also there are other top players in the Nigerian team but we knew if we can keep Osimhen quiet we have a chance of winning the game,” Sadiki told Brila as per Completesports.
It was a plan made easier when the Galatasaray forward failed to return for the second half after suffering an injury.
Nigeria’s attacking rhythm evaporated almost instantly. A team that had created danger in the early stages gradually retreated, struggled to link midfield to attack, and spent long spells pinned back as the Congolese controlled the tempo.
Osimhen’s injury clearly shaped the night’s outcome and also extended his personal frustration on the global stage. Having missed the 2022 World Cup, he will now have to wait until 2030, when he will be 31, for another chance.
For DR Congo, meanwhile, the victory brings them within touching distance of their first World Cup appearance since 1974.
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How Victor Osimhen’s Super Eagles stumbled against DR Congo’s Leopards in Rabat
Nigeria had the perfect start on Sunday night inside the Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium. Zaidu Sanusi curled in a third-minute cross, which Frank Onyeka struck before it deflected beyond the Congolese goalkeeper.
With Wilfred Ndidi driving midfield and Osimhen darting down the channels, the Eagles initially looked the sharper side.
But a narrow escape from a Congolese free-kick warned of growing danger, before the equaliser arrived in the 32nd minute. Meshak Elia beat Ndidi to a loose ball and steered calmly past Stanley Nwabali after Nigeria lost possession in midfield.
Osimhen’s injury at the break altered the complexion entirely. The Eagles fought, but their chances dried up. Nwabali made several vital saves, one from a glancing touch in the 53rd minute, another from a point-blank header deep into extra time, yet Nigeria failed to reassert control.
Tolu Arokodare came closest with a rising header from a Bruno Onyemaechi cross, but it flew millimetres too high. With legs tiring and tension rising, both sides accepted it would be settled from the spot.
And so it proved. Nigeria missed twice in the first five attempts, with Calvin Bassey and Moses Simon unable to convert. Jerome Akor, Onyemaechi and Chidera Ejuke scored, but Semi Ajayi saw his sudden-death effort saved. DR Congo converted their next kick, sparking celebrations on the sideline and ending Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the Intercontinental playoff.