Nigeria vs DR Congo: Who should Super Eagles be wary of in CAF World Cup playoff final?

From the pit of despair, the Super Eagles now stand on the cusp of qualification for next summer’s World Cup. But first comes Nigeria vs DR Congo, the playoff final for (almost) all the marbles in Rabat on Sunday night.

Oddly, considering the history shared by both teams, it appears many Super Eagles fans would have preferred a meeting with Cameroon’s now quite Domitable Lions instead. The Leopards pose a similar challenge in terms of physically, but are unmistakably on an upward trajectory by comparison, and so should provide a stern test for the three-time African champions. 

Here are three DR Congo danger men Eric Chelle would do well to prepare his side for.

Noah Sadiki

Swiss maestro Granit Xhaka has understandably gotten a lot of plaudits for Sunderland’s blistering start to life in the Premier League, but midfield partner Noah Sadiki has been a willing and capable sidekick in the centre of the park. 

Signed from Union St Gilloise in the summer, the all-action 20-year-old has been a revelation. Tenacious and tireless, but also possessing the ability to play on the half-turn, he is key to DR Congo’s progression, especially as part of an otherwise fairly workmanlike midfield. 

Theo Bongonda

The Leopards’ creativity comes, not from midfield, but from out wide through Spartak Moscow scheme Theo Bongonda. Possessed of a cultured left foot and great timing on the dribble, stopping him is the key to neutering DR Congo to a large degree, especially in the absence of Yoane Wissa’s invention in the forward line. 

Zaidu Sanusi will have his hands full, and while the Porto man can certainly hold up physically, he will need to watch blindside runs as well. 

Fiston Mayele

He was left on the bench in favour of Cedric Bakambu until late on against Cameroon, but there is a good argument that Fiston Mayele remains the Leopards’ best bet at centre-forward. His sharpness in and around the penalty box defines the term ‘poacher’ aptly, and he is capable enough under pressure to resist contact as well. 

Whether Sebastien Desabre opts for him or elects to start Bakambu again, it is hard to shake the feeling the Pyramids icon could prove decisive on Sunday night. The Super Eagles defence, so impressive against Gabon, would do well to stay vigilant.