Nigeria Vs DR Congo Head-to-Head
Super Eagles of Nigeria will face the Leopards DR Congo on Sunday in a high-stakes match with the coveted African ticket to the intercontinental play-offs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the line. The Super Eagles and the Leopards booked their places in the African play-off final after impressive victories over Gabon (4-1) and […]
Super Eagles of Nigeria will face the Leopards DR Congo on Sunday in a high-stakes match with the coveted African ticket to the intercontinental play-offs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the line.
The Super Eagles and the Leopards booked their places in the African play-off final after impressive victories over Gabon (4-1) and Cameroon (1-0), respectively.
Historically, these two sides have gone head-to-head six times. DR Congo lead the tally with three wins to Nigeria’s two, while just one encounter ended in a draw.
Full results of Nigeria vs DR Congo encounters
05/11/1966: Nigeria 3-2 DR Congo
26/11/1966: DR Congo 1-0 Nigeria
27/12/1966: DR Congo 1-0 Nigeria
03/03/2010: Nigeria 5-2 DR Congo
08/10/2015: Nigeria 0-2 DR Congo
28/05/2018: Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo
DR CONGO PLAYERS TO WATCH
Aaron Wan‑Bissaka (West Ham United)
The England born made his debut for DR Congo in September 2025 in a 4–1 win over South Sudan national football team in Group B qualifying. Wan-Bissaka has strengthened the DR Congo defensive cover, reducing Nigeria’s usual avenues down their left side. His presence could help the Leopards stifle wide attacks and transition play quickly.
Chancel Mbemba (Lille OSC)
The long-serving captain of DR Congo with a record of 95 caps and 6 goals. He contributed immensely to his country’s Playoff berth. A towering figure in the defence, Mbemba was instrumental to his team conceding only six goals in 10 matches.
Theo Bongonda (Spartak Moscow)
Bongonda was pivotal in the qualifiers as his pacy ability from the left wing came to bear leading to goals against Sudan and South Sudan when he cut inside to finish. His crucial goal in the 1-0 win against Sudan helped his team clinch the playoff ticket.
Ngal’ayel Mukau (Lille OSC)
He is one of the rising stars in the DR Congo national team, known for his technical quality and tactical maturity despite his young age. The central midfielder who can play both defensive and attacking is known for his calmness in possession and ability to move the ball efficiently between the defensive and attacking thirds.
Arthur Masuaku (Sunderland)
He is one of the most experienced and technically gifted members of the DR Congo team. Masuaku is known for his attacking flair from defence, for overlapping runs, dribbling ability, and creative crosses from wide positions. His defensive ability is not limited to the backline as he can comfortably carry the ball forward, often acting as an additional playmaker down the left flank.
Axel Tuanzebe (Burnley FC)
He featured in nine of the 10 matches in the qualifiers, averaging four clearances and two interceptions per game. He is known for timely tackles and good reading of the game.