Nigeria 1-1 (3-4) DR Congo Player Ratings: DR Congo Keep World Cup Dream Alive With Thrilling Win

With a potential World Cup spot up for grabs, Nigeria and DR Congo both were keen to make a commanding start to the playoff final. The Nigeria national football team overcame Gabon in the semi-final at a score of 4-1 after extra time. Meanwhile, the DR Congo national football team upset Cameroon with a late goal to book their berth in the final. The winners of the Nigeria vs DR Congo game will compete in inter-confederation playoffs next March.

Nigeria drew the first blood on the D-day, with Brentford star Frank Onyeka breaking the deadlock to give his team a crucial lead only three minutes into the game. DR Congo were in no mood to give up despite conceding an early goal. Meschack Elia finally struck the equaliser, bringing DR Congo back to the contest. No team was able to produce anything significant till the first-half whistle, as the Nigeria vs DR Congo score remained 1-1 after 45 minutes.

Nigerian stalwart Victor Osimhen was taken off early in the second half, with Akor Adams replacing him in the eleven. The DR Congo national football team also made several changes, but was unable to affect the scoreline. Despite both teams showing their determination, the Nigeria vs DR Congo score stayed the same after 90 minutes, forcing extra time. No team, however, managed to score the winning goal in the next 30 minutes, and the match went to a penalty shootout.

Calvin Bassey put Nigeria in a tricky situation, missing an early penalty for his team. DR Congo also made the blunder as Samuel Moutoussamy's shot was blocked by the Nigeria goalkeeper. The Super Eagles, however, failed once again as Moses Simon missed another one. Congo finally took the lead, with Noah Sadiki scoring from the spot. Nigeria were back in the contest when Tuanzebe missed for Congo. However, DR Combo had the last laugh in the thrilling affair, winning the shootout 4-3.

Here are Sportsdunia’s Nigeria vs DR Congo Player Ratings from the FIFA World Cup qualifier:

Nigeria Player Ratings vs DR Congo

Check out Nigeria Player Ratings from Nigeria vs DR Congo WC Qualifier:

DR Congo Player Ratings vs Nigeria

Check out DR Congo Player Ratings from Nigeria vs DR Congo WC Qualifier:

Sportsdunia's Player of the Match goes to Chancel Mbemba.