Nigeria and DR Congo look to keep their World Cup dreams alive as they meet for the chance to go through to the intercontinental play-offs next year.
Victor Osimhen and Chidera Juke were the extra-time heroes for Nigeria as the Super Eagles booked a place in the CAF play-off final with a 4-1 win over Gabon on Thursday.
DR Congo then defeated a talented Cameroon side 1-0 in the other semi-final as Chancel Mbemba’s dramatic winner in stoppage time knocked out the five-time African champions.
DR Congo have only played in the World Cup once in 1974, when the country was called Zaire, while Nigeria are looking to return to the World Cup for the first time since 2018.
The winners of the CAF play-off final, to be held in the Moroccan capital Rabat, will advance to March’s inter-continental play-offs, joining the likes of Bolivia and New Caledonia.
Follow the latest updates from Nigeria vs DR Congo below:
Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo
A couple of half-chances for Congo after they work the ball well on the edge of the box before the shot is deflected.
From the corner, the ball in at the near post is headed goalwards but Nwabali saves well.
Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo
A Congo attack ends with the cross going just out of reach of Makambu in the box.
No chances for either side yet in this half.
Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo
We’ve had an early change at half-time too, with Victor Osimhen making way for Akor Adams.
Not sure if it’s down to injury but that’s a blow for the Super Eagles!
KICK-OFF! Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo
Back underway here! Will it be Nigeria or DR Congo who reach the inter-continental play-offs?
HALF-TIME! Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo
Both sides are re-emerging from the tunnel so we should be getting re-started soon in Rabat!
HALF-TIME! Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo
So, it was the perfect start for Nigeria as they were gifted a goal via a deflection within five minutes, but the Super Eagles failed to press home that advantage and they go into the break level.
Congo didn’t threaten all that much but they were able to find the quality when it mattered, with Elia’s accomplished finish meaning they’re still in the game.
Nevertheless, the Leopards will have to offer more than they did in the first half if they want to win this.
Nigeria will be confident of taking the win on the evidence of the first half, but they need to find that last bit of quality in the final third.
HALF-TIME! Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo
The referee blows the whistle for the end of the first half, and we go into the break with the sides level.
It’s not been a classic in Rabat but it’s been an interesting half in many respects, but we’re no closer to knowing who will take Africa’s place in the inter-confederation play-offs!
Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo
45 +1 mins
Into the first of three minutes of added time in this one.
Nigeria have possession again but they’re not in a rush to go forward at the moment.
Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo
Lovely dribbling from Lookman to set up a shot for Iwobi, and though his effort is blocked is leads to a free-kick in a dangerous position as Onyeka is brought down challenging for the loose ball.
It’s a poor routine as Lookman can’t find Osimhen.
