Daijiworld Media Network - Rabat

Rabat, Nov 16: The battle for a coveted spot in the intercontinental playoffs of the FIFA World Cup 2026 reaches its climax tonight as Nigeria lock horns with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco. The decisive African playoff final kicks off at 8 pm local time, with only one team advancing to the global qualifiers in March.

In Thursday’s semifinals, Nigeria produced a commanding performance as Galatasaray star Victor Osimhen struck twice in extra time to guide the Super Eagles to a 4-1 triumph over Gabon. In the other semifinal, DRC edged out Cameroon 1-0, courtesy of a late winner from defender Chancel Mbemba.

The winner of tonight’s CAF playoff will earn a berth in the six-team mini-tournament scheduled to be held in Mexico, where two World Cup slots are on offer.

Osimhen, the heartbeat of Nigeria’s attack, continues to draw global admiration. Profiled by Al Jazeera in 2023 during Napoli’s historic title charge, he is known as much for his footballing firepower as for his resilience off the pitch.

“He once said to me that in a very poor neighbourhood, [his family] were the poorest,” journalist Oma Akatugba recalled. “He had to fight for everything — selling newspapers, doing menial jobs — all while chasing his football dream. That struggle has shaped him into the strong, energetic and powerful striker we see today.”

As Nigeria and DRC prepare for one final showdown, football fans across Africa await a thrilling contest that could bring either nation a step closer to the world’s biggest stage.