Nigeria v DR Congo: Rohr predicts winner, explains why Leopards are dangerous for Super Eagles

Benin Republic head coach Gernot Rohr has delivered his latest prediction on the decisive World Cup playoff clash between Nigeria and DR Congo, Soccernet.ng reports.

Rohr has backed the Super Eagles to edge Sunday’s contest in Rabat, but not without cautioning that the Congolese bring genuine danger.

The Franco-German tactician, who previously coached Nigeria, had successfully forecast that both teams would win their respective semi-final ties on Thursday.

Nigeria eventually overpowered Gabon 4-1 after extra time, while DR Congo sealed progression with a dramatic stoppage-time header to defeat Cameroon 1-0.

Now, Rohr believes the Super Eagles will ‘go through,' yet he remains wary of the Leopards’ set-piece threat and physical profile; qualities he expects could complicate Nigeria’s bid to reach the 2026 intercontinental playoffs.

According to The Nation, Rohr said: “Of course, Nigeria is the favourite but they must be careful.”

The Benin coach added:

“Congo has a physically strong team and are dangerous on set pieces like they showed against Cameroon with good physical and mental strength.”

While confident in Nigeria’s collective strengths, Rohr stressed that Congo’s intensity cannot be underestimated.

“It will be an interesting game but I think Nigeria will go through because they have better qualities collectively.”

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Crucial match for Nigeria, DR Congo and for Rohr

Sunday’s meeting in Rabat serves as the final step on Africa’s path to the March 2026 intercontinental playoff, offering the continent just one slot in the next round of World Cup qualification. For Eric Chelle’s Nigeria, victory keeps their World Cup dream alive; defeat ends the journey entirely.

Rohr, whose Benin Republic team will face DR Congo in their opening AFCON match in December, has strong personal interest in observing how Congo handle elite opposition. He confirmed he will be in attendance.

“Of course, we are going to watch the match on Sunday in Rabat because we are also playing against Burkina Faso in Rabat on Tuesday,” he said. “It’s important for us because we are playing our first game in the AFCON against DR Congo in December.”

The veteran added he is curious to see whether this prediction unfolds as cleanly as the last:

“But we would see if my prediction that Nigeria would win will come through just as I'd predicted both teams to win the Play-Offs' semi-finals.”

Nigeria approach the tie in strong form, winning five of their last six matches. Their semi-final win over Gabon carried late tension: Akor Adams capitalised on a defensive error, Mario Lemina equalised deep into stoppage time, and Victor Osimhen missed a major chance before extra-time goals from Ejuke and Osimhen sealed victory.

Congo, meanwhile, arrive with confidence built on organisation and set-piece precision. Mbemba’s superb winner against Cameroon from a late corner kick highlighted their greatest asset: height, timing, and ruthless concentration in dead-ball moments.

The Leopards have not reached the World Cup since 1974 but believe their defensive discipline gives them a genuine chance against a Nigerian side ranked 19 places higher.

Sunday’s meeting will be the second competitive fixture between the teams, with Nigeria claiming a 2-0 win over DR Congo in the quarterfinals of the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia.