A strong view has emerged that playing against Cameroon in Africa’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification play-off final, instead of DR Congo, would have been a better option for the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Sports247 reports.
This view was aired by the general secretary of Lagos State Football Referees Association, Dele Atoun, when he featured as the guest on a live streaming programme, Inside Naija Sports, with special focus on Sunday’s game in Rabat, Morocco.
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Atoun stated during ‘Hot Seat’ segment of the programme, which starts at 2:15pm every Friday in the television studio of Sports247 Naija and streams through YouTube, that the Eagles would be relaxed against DR Congo, but the name of Cameroon alone would put them on their toes.
He opined further, “I actually wanted Cameroon, because I believe a bigger team would bring out the best in the Super Eagles.
“I believe they would be more serious if they were to play Cameroon instead of DR Congo. There’s always an expression that the bigger the opponent, the more serious will be our team.”
Atoun, who admitted that the Eagles did not wake up until very late in their semi-final victory over Gabon on Thursday, warned that DR Congo will be determined to be giant killers once again, hence the need for a smoky performance this time and for all 90 minutes by Nigeria’s players.
“Against Cameroon, DR Congo showed that they are a team with resilience, and they pack surprises. They also showed that they needed that match so much.
“They were very lucky to get a goal just before the end of regulation time, but they actually worked for it. That means they will be tough to beat. However, whatever the case, I am looking forward to victory for Nigeria,” Atoun concluded.
The erudite referee further pointed out that the Super Eagles should find the next stage of the World Cup qualification play-offs easier at the intercontinental level, come March 2026 in Mexico, but they must be careful to avoid an upset by DR Congo on Sunday.
