Cameroon football legend Joseph-Antoine Bell has declared Nigeria's Super Eagles as slight favorites to defeat DR Congo in Sunday's crucial World Cup playoff final showdown in Rabat.
Why Nigeria Holds the Advantage
The former Cameroon international, speaking to Africa Foot, emphasized that Nigeria's impressive attacking firepower gives them the edge in this decisive encounter. "Let's say that for me, Nigeria is a slight favourite," Bell stated confidently.
He highlighted the Super Eagles' formidable offensive lineup, specifically mentioning Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Moses Simon as key threats that make Nigeria dangerous. Beyond their attacking prowess, Bell noted that the team "exudes real power, and defensively, it is solid."
Road to the Playoff Final
Nigeria's journey to this critical match has been challenging. The Super Eagles finished second in Group C with 17 points, just one point short of automatic qualification for the World Cup. Their performance was strong enough to secure a place among the best four second-placed teams, earning them a spot in the playoffs.
In their playoff semi-final, Nigeria demonstrated their resilience by defeating Gabon 4-1 after extra time, with Victor Osimhen scoring twice. Meanwhile, DR Congo secured their place in the final by defeating Cameroon 1-0 in regulation time during the second semi-final.
Fatigue Not a Factor
Bell brushed aside concerns that Nigeria's extended 120-minute battle against Gabon might leave them fatigued against a DR Congo side that played only 90 minutes. The Cameroon legend insists that the additional minutes will not affect the Super Eagles' performance against the Leopards.
Recent statistics support Nigeria's strong form heading into the final. The Super Eagles have scored 10 goals in their last three matches, showing they've found their rhythm at the perfect moment. Despite this offensive explosion, Bell expects a tight contest rather than a goal-fest on Sunday.
What's at Stake
The winner of Sunday's match in Rabat will advance to the 2026 intercontinental playoffs scheduled for March 2026. This represents the final hurdle on the road to the World Cup hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Only two World Cup tickets will be available in the six-team intercontinental playoffs, making Sunday's victory crucial for either nation. For Nigeria, this match represents an opportunity to return to football's biggest stage after missing the 2022 edition in Qatar.
The Super Eagles have appeared at six World Cups previously and reached the Round of 16 on three occasions, making this playoff particularly significant for the three-time African champions.
In a significant boost for the Nigerian team, the federal government has promised substantial financial incentives. The Super Eagles will receive $50,000 (approximately ₦72 million) for every goal scored against DR Congo, adding extra motivation for the crucial encounter.
