Nigeria and DR Congo are set to face off in a high-stakes CAF World Cup playoff final on Sunday, following dramatic semifinal victories that have brought both nations within reach of a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria overcame Gabon 4–1 after extra time in a rain-soaked clash at El Barid Stadium. Despite missing several chances in regulation, including a late one-on-one opportunity, striker Victor Osimhen redeemed himself with two goals in extra time. His brace followed earlier strikes from Chidera Ejuke, who scored with a solo effort, and Akor Adams, who opened the scoring with a close-range finish. Gabon’s Aaron Boupendza had equalized late in the second half, forcing the match into extra time.

Midfielder Benjamin Fredrick, just 20 years old, was named man of the match for his commanding performance, which included an assist and several key defensive interventions. Wilfred Ndidi also impressed, providing the assist for Osimhen’s second goal and anchoring the midfield. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali faced criticism for a pair of errors, including a controversial penalty incident that was ultimately waved off.

Nigeria’s resurgence under head coach Eric Chelle has been notable. Appointed in January, the Malian tactician has guided the team to an unbeaten run in their last six qualifiers. “We showed character tonight,” Chelle said after the match. “Osimhen’s fire, the boys’ fight—this is what dreams are made of.”

In the other semifinal, DR Congo stunned five-time African champions Cameroon with a 91st-minute winner from captain Chancel Mbemba. The match, played at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, was a tense and tactical affair, with few clear chances until Mbemba volleyed home from a Brian Cipenga corner. Cameroon, led by Vincent Aboubakar and Bryan Mbeumo, failed to capitalize on their opportunities, and goalkeeper André Onana’s efforts were not enough to prevent defeat.

Cameroon’s exit marks their fourth consecutive failure to qualify for the World Cup since 2014. Head coach Marc Brys, whose appointment has been controversial, faces growing pressure ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations in December. “We had the chances, but football punishes the indecisive,” Brys said.

DR Congo, last seen at the World Cup in 1974, now stand on the brink of history. Coach Sébastien Desabre praised his team’s discipline and Mbemba’s leadership, saying, “Chancel’s a warrior; this is for a nation that’s waited too long.”

Sunday’s final, scheduled for 8 p.m. local time (7 p.m. GMT) at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, will determine Africa’s final representative in the March intercontinental playoffs in Mexico. The winner will join six other teams—two each from Asia, CONCACAF, and Oceania—in a battle for the last two spots in the expanded 48-team tournament, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

Nine African nations—Algeria, Cape Verde, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, and Tunisia—have already secured direct qualification. For Nigeria, a win would mark their seventh World Cup appearance. For DR Congo, it would be a return to the global stage after 51 years.

Excitement is building across the continent, with fans in Lagos and Kinshasa preparing for what could be a historic night. As Rabat braces for the final, one question remains: which team will claim Africa’s last ticket to the world’s biggest football stage?