The Super Eagles of Nigeria will take on the Leopards of DR Congo at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah in Rabat, Morocco, tomorrow, Soccernet.ng reports.
A place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup is up for grabs for both sides, with 90 minutes separating Eric Chelle’s men from qualifying for the World play-offs that’ll be held in March.
The Super Eagles haven’t recorded any fatigue or injury problems after the game against Thierry Mouyouma’s side, but they might be without Wilfred Ndidi following an accumulation of yellow cards.
Soccernet.ng predicts the Super Eagles’ lineup with the players available for the game against DR Congo.
Get Our Sports News First – Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!
Predicted Super Eagles Starting XI vs DR Congo
Goalkeeper: Stanley Nwabali’s display against Lesotho and the Benin Republic raised many questions about the Chippa United goalkeeper’s composure, as his error gifted Basotho a goal. At the same time, another nearly led to the equaliser.
The action nearly repeated itself on Thursday as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang tackled the 29-year-old on his goal line after a careless action from the goalie
Still, it’ll be risky to give a debut appearance to Amas Obasogie or to introduce Maduka Okoye in such a high-pressure game. Hence, Nwabali is still Nigeria’s best bet.
However, moving forward, he has to engage in less risky actions if he’s to keep his spot as Nigeria’s starting goalkeeper.
Defenders: William Troost-Ekong has been a bit-part player over the past four games, but Semi Ajayi is back in contention after serving a suspension due to a yellow card accumulation against Gabon.
Bright Osayi-Samuel had a good shift at right-back in the last game and should retain his spot in the starting line-up, as with all of Nigeria’s back four, to be honest.
Benjamin Frederick and Calvin Bassey to partner at the heart of the Super Eagles’ defence, while Zaidu Sanusi continues at left-back.
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi’s availability is in question. As a result of consecutive yellow cards, he’s meant to miss the Congo clash, but reports have surfaced that the accumulation of cards does not hold water in play-offs.
However, there’s been no concluding statement so far, and as it stands, it appears the Super Eagles will be without the former Leicester City midfielder.
To make up for Ndidi’s absence in midfield, Brentford’s Frank Onyeka comes in to keep things tidy.
As usual, Alex Iwobi partners the former Augsburg man in midfield.
Eric Chelle will most likely maintain a diamond 4-4-2 formation, leaving Ademola Lookman to play off the left while Samuel Chukwueze completes the midfield four.
Forwards: The partnership between Akor Adams and Victor Osimhen flourished against Lesotho, the Republic of Benin and Gabon. The pair have combined for seven of the last ten goals Nigeria have scored in the past four games.
Without a doubt, the duo will be the best choice to lead the line against DR Congo tomorrow.
The line-up in full: Stanley Nwabali; Bright Osayi Samuel; Benjamin Frederick, Calvin Bassey, Zaidu Sanusi; Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi; Samuel Chukwueze; Ademola Lookman; Akor Adams, Victor Osimhen.