Nigeria & DRC Advance in World Cup Qualifying, Joining Africa’s Elite
The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is taking shape, and two West African powerhouses – Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) – have secured their spots in the next round of qualifying. Both nations navigated challenging ties, joining a growing list of African teams poised to compete on the global stage. let’s break down how they did it, and what it means for their World Cup aspirations.
Nigeria’s Dramatic Victory Over Gabon
Nigeria’s qualification journey wasn’t without its drama. The Super Eagles overcame a resilient Gabon side in a thrilling encounter that ultimately went to extra time. This victory marks Nigeria’s pursuit of a seventh World Cup appearance.
Here’s a recap of the key moments:
* Adams Breaks the Deadlock: Akor Adams opened the scoring in the 78th minute, giving Nigeria the lead.
* Late Equalizer: Gabon responded swiftly, with Mario Lemina leveling the score in the 89th minute.
* Extra-time Heroics: Chidera Ejuke put Nigeria ahead again in the 97th minute, but the drama wasn’t over.
* Osimhen Seals the Deal: Victor Osimhen, the reigning African Player of the Year, ultimately proved to be the difference-maker, scoring twice in extra time (102nd and 110th minutes) to secure a 3-2 victory.
Osimhen, despite missing a crucial chance at the end of regulation time, demonstrated his class and determination. His two goals showcased his clinical finishing and cemented his status as Nigeria’s talisman. You can see why he’s considered one of Africa’s brightest footballing stars.
nigeria faced moments of adversity, including a VAR review for a potential penalty against them. However, they persevered, showcasing their resilience and tactical flexibility.
DRC Denies Cameroon in a Tight Contest
Meanwhile, the DRC pulled off a notable upset, defeating Cameroon 1-0.This result secures a second World Cup appearance for the DRC, a nation formerly known as Zaire when they last qualified in 1974.
The match was a cagey affair, with both teams prioritizing defensive solidity. The decisive moment came courtesy of Chancel Mbemba.
* Mbemba’s Winner: The defender struck in a pivotal moment, securing the victory for the DRC.
* Limited Chances: The game featured few clear-cut opportunities,highlighting the tactical battle between the two sides.
* Onana’s Save: Cameroon’s Andre Onana, the Manchester United goalkeeper, was called into action to deny Cedric Bakambu.
* Mbeumo Close: Bryan Mbeumo nearly scored for Cameroon, but his shot narrowly missed the target.
The DRC’s victory underscores their growing strength in African football. Their disciplined performance and clinical finishing were key to overcoming a challenging opponent.
Africa’s Qualified Nations
Nine African nations have already secured their automatic qualifying spots for the next stage:
* Algeria
* Cape Verde
* Egypt
* Ghana
* Ivory Coast
* Morocco
* Senegal
* South Africa
* Tunisia
These teams represent the continent’s strongest footballing forces, and their presence in the next round guarantees a competitive qualifying process.
What’s Next?
With these initial qualifying rounds complete, the focus now shifts to the remaining teams vying for a place at the 2026 World Cup. The competition will undoubtedly intensify as nations battle for a coveted spot in the expanded 48-team tournament.
For Nigeria and the DRC, this qualification is a significant step forward. Though, they know the hard work is far from over. They’ll need to maintain their momentum and continue to refine their strategies to succeed in the challenges that lie ahead. As a football enthusiast, you can expect more thrilling matches and dramatic moments as the journey to the World Cup continues.
Sources:
* [https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2025/11/13/osimhen-double-sends-nigeria-through-to-world-cup-qualifying-final-round](https://
