As the Super Eagles of Nigeria prepare to face DR Congo today in the final of the CAF World Cup Playoffs in Morocco, many fans are reflecting on the last encounter between the two teams. Historically, Nigeria has the upper hand, having won four out of their seven meetings. However, the Super Eagles have struggled recently against DR Congo, losing their last two matches: a friendly in Belgium that ended 2-0 in favor of DR Congo, followed by a 1-1 draw in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
When DR Congo Shocked Nigeria in Belgium
In 2015, DR Congo defeated Nigeria 2-0 in a friendly match played in Vise, Belgium. It was a difficult period for the Super Eagles under coach Sunday Oliseh, who had just taken charge.
The team was already facing internal issues. Goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama arrived at camp after losing his mother, only to discover he had been removed as captain. Reports later said he was even told to leave camp. Although the NFF later called it a “misunderstanding,” the mood in camp was already affected.
On match day, things went bad quickly. After only eight minutes, goalkeeper Carl Ikeme was beaten by a low shot from Dieumerci Mbokani. DR Congo continued to press and scored again in the 30th minute through Jordan Nkololo, making it 2-0 before half-time.
Nigeria tried to respond — Ogenyi Onazi almost scored from a free kick and John Obi Mikel tested their goalkeeper — but the Super Eagles could not find a goal. The match ended 2-0, giving Oliseh his first loss as coach.
Nigeria 1–1 DR Congo in Port Harcourt
The next meeting came in 2018 in Port Harcourt. This time, it ended 1-1, but the result still disappointed many fans.
The match was used as a send-off game before the Super Eagles travelled to Europe to play England. The pitch was not perfect, but it was a good chance for coach Gernot Rohr to look at new players like Simeon Nwankwo and Junior Lokosa.
Nigeria started well. In the 15th minute, William Troost-Ekong scored his first international goal after a quick free kick from Onazi. The home fans were excited.
But the team could not keep the pressure going. The midfield struggled, and the two new strikers were left isolated. DR Congo grew stronger in the second half, testing young goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, who made several good saves.
However, Nigeria later conceded a penalty in the 77th minute after Ola Aina fouled Issama Mpeko. Replays showed the foul may have been outside the box, but the referee still pointed to the spot. Ben Malango scored to make it 1-1, and that was how the game ended.
With these past results in mind — a loss in Belgium and a draw at home — the Super Eagles will be hoping to show a stronger performance today in Morocco. DR Congo has proven to be a difficult opponent for Nigeria, and today’s match is not just about qualification; it is also about pride and confidence.
#NigeriaVsDRCongo #SuperEagles #CAFPlayoffs #RoadToWorldCup #TeamNigeria #DRCongo #FootballInAfrica #SuperEaglesFans #Iwitnesslive #NigeriaFootball #MatchDayNigeria #SupportTheEagles #AfricanFootball #MoroccoPlayoffs #WeMove
