Nigeria vs DR Congo Prediction, Lineups, Injuries, and Team News

The CAF FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers are set to come to an explosive finish when Nigeria faces off against DR Congo in the final of the playoff qualification round on Sunday, 16 November 2025. Nigeria have picked up their form in recent games, having won their last three matches and scored 10 goals in that period. They finished second in their World Cup qualification group with 17 points from 10 games, and now must win against Congo to keep their World Cup dreams alive. Victor Osimhen is Nigeria's top scorer in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, having scored eight goals for them so far.

Nigeria vs DR Congo Preview

DR Congo national football team were able to defeat Cameroon to book a place in the final of the World Cup qualification playoff round. They also finished in second place in their group with 22 points from 10 games, and have won their last three matches without conceding a single goal and aim to take a step closer to qualifying for the World Cup. Cedric Bakambu is DR Congo's top scorer in the World Cup qualifiers with four goals scored so far. Now, we look at the Nigeria vs DR Congo preview and then, in the end, you can compare your match prediction with our Nigeria vs DR Congo prediction.

Nigeria vs DR Congo Match Info

• Match Name: Nigeria vs DR Congo, 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier
• Stadium Name: Moulay Hassan Stadium
• Kick-off Timing: 19:00 PM GMT

Nigeria National Football Team News

The Nigeria national football team head coach, Eric Chelle, is having to deal with the absence of a few important squad players in his Nigeria team. Despite the absence of a few notable names, Chelle will need to field his strongest Nigerian lineup for them to be able to get a compelling win over DR Congo. With that being said, we now see the Nigeria vs DR Congo predicted lineups as part of the Nigeria vs DR Congo preview.

Nigeria National Football Team Expected Lineup (4-1-3-2):

Goalkeeper: Stanley Nwabili

Defenders: Bright Osayi-Samuel, Benjamin Fredrick, Calvin Bassey, Zaidu Sanusi

Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Moises Simon, Chidera Ejuke, Alex Iwobi

Forwards: Akor Adams, Victor Osimhen

DR Congo National Football Team News

DR Congo head coach Sebastien Desabre has had to deal with the major absence of striker Yoane Wissa from his squad. However, he's been able to add some new faces to his squad for the Nigeria clash, in the likes of Ange Balikwisha, Mario Stroeykens and Matheiu Epolo! Desabre will look to field his best side, who can nullify Nigeria's threat and grab a big win. Now we look at the DR Congo perspective of the Nigeria vs DR Congo predicted lineups

DR Congo National Football Team Expected Lineup (4-3-3):

Goalkeeper: Lionel Mpasi-Nzau

Defenders: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Chancel Mbemba, Axel Tuanzebe, Joris Ditu

Midfielders: Noah Sadiki, Edo Kayembe, Samuel Moutoussamy

Forwards: Theo Bongonda, Brian Cipenga, Cedric Bakumbu

Nigeria vs DR Congo Injuries

Now, we look at the players who are going to be missing the Nigeria vs DR Congo clash because of injury issues.

The major absence for Nigeria will be that of defender Felix Agu, who is still dealing with an ankle injury that threatens to force him out of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations as well. Chrisantus Uche is also unavailable because of fitness problems.

For DR Congo, their biggest absence is that of star striker Yoane Wissa. The Newcastle United forward is taking time to recover from a knee injury suffered earlier in the 2025/26 season and he remains unavailable for this big game.

Sportsdunia's Nigeria vs DR Congo Prediction

Nigeria vs DR Congo affairs have actually been very competitive in recent years, with DR Congo getting three wins in six matches against Nigeria. Considering how solid DR Congo have been in keeping three back-to-back clean sheets, Nigeria will need to really grind it out and fight hard against them in the World Cup qualification playoff final. This should be a feisty, intense affair with a lot of drama attached to it, and both sides should have plenty of chances to score. However, Nigeria's sheer strength in their attacking line and the presence of the in-form Victor Osimhen should help them break DR Congo's resolve and get a narrow win. Here is our Nigeria vs DR Congo Prediction.

Predicted Score: Nigeria 2-1 DR Congo