Super Eagles head coach Eric Sékou Chelle says Nigeria are fully focused on delivering a performance worthy of a World Cup-bound team as they prepare for tonight’s high-stakes playoff final against the Democratic Republic of Congo in Rabat.
With a place in the intercontinental playoff on the line, Chelle insists his players have “no room for distraction” and must seize the moment to continue Nigeria’s long-standing superiority over the Leopards.
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Nigeria have lost only once to DR Congo in competitive football since 1969, winning four AFCON meetings and recording some of their most iconic scorelines in the rivalry, including a 5–0 win in Abuja in 2010.
Chelle, who remains unbeaten in World Cup qualification as Super Eagles boss, believes his squad are mentally ready to extend that dominance tonight.
Under Chelle, Nigeria have produced a steady stream of gritty results: defeating Rwanda home and away, edging Ghana in London, holding Russia in Moscow, and famously smashing Benin Republic 4–0 before Thursday’s dramatic 4–1 extra-time comeback win over Gabon. He describes the team’s new identity as “aggressive, ambitious, and united,” something he believes will be vital against a physically imposing DR Congo side.
Speaking ahead of the clash, Chelle refused to revisit the pre-Gabon bonus crisis, insisting that only football matters tonight. “What happened before is behind us,” he said.
“Nigeria deserves to be at the World Cup, and it is our job to make that happen. We must improve our general play, stay compact, control transitions, and show the same fighting spirit we displayed in extra time against Gabon.”
Chelle also warned that DR Congo—who defeated Nigeria 5–0 in Kinshasa in 1969—remain unpredictable and must be treated with absolute seriousness. “History means nothing once the whistle blows,” he added. “But if we impose our football, the quality in this team will shine through.”
Nigeria and DR Congo face off at 6pm Nigerian time, with the winner advancing to the final qualifying stage for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
