By Kunle Solaja.

As Nigeria prepare for Sunday night’s high-stakes FIFA World Cup qualifying play-off final against DR Congo in Rabat, one name stands out in the Congolese lineup — Chancel Mbemba. For the Super Eagles, stopping the 30-year-old defence marshal could prove just as important as breaking down the Congolese attack.

He was in the DR Congo team that beat the Super Eagles in a friendly match played at the Stade de la Cité de l’Oie, Visé in Belgium in 2015.

Mbemba, the inspirational captain of the Leopards, reached a historic milestone last Thursday when he earned his 100th international cap in DR Congo’s semi-final victory over Cameroon. And he marked the occasion in heroic fashion.

With the match heading for extra time, the former Olympique Marseille defender stepped up in the final seconds of added time, smashing home the only goal of the game and sending DR Congo into Sunday’s final.

Even more remarkably, he delivered that decisive moment after playing the entire second half under the shadow of a possible expulsion, having been booked before halftime.

His performance embodied the grit and resilience that have defined this Congolese generation — qualities Nigeria must be wary of.

“I am experiencing this moment thanks to the work, rigour and discipline that I strive to apply every day. Nothing has been easy, but each step has made me stronger,” Mbemba wrote on his social media handle, as reported by DR Congo daily Actualité.

For Nigerian fans, Mbemba’s influence is not unfamiliar. He has faced Nigeria several times across youth and senior categories, always displaying calm leadership and a knack for rising in big moments.

Coming through the ranks at FC MK in Kinshasa, Mbemba represents a rarity in Congolese football — a player developed entirely on home soil who rose to elite European status.

Today, he is widely regarded as one of Africa’s finest defenders, with his remarkable discipline and consistency placing him among the continent’s most respected captains.

As the Super Eagles aim to extend their World Cup dream, they will have to deal not only with DR Congo’s attacking threats but with the commanding presence of their centurion skipper.

Mbemba is the heartbeat of the Leopards — organiser in defence, motivator in the dressing room, and, as Cameroon discovered, a match-winner when it matters most.

On Sunday, Nigeria will need focus, precision, and vigilance. And at the centre of that vigilance will be Chancel Mbemba.

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By Kunle Solaja.

Nigeria could be without star striker Victor Osimhen for next year’s FIFA Intercontinental Play-Off if the Super Eagles advance and the forward receives another yellow card in Sunday’s decisive clash against DR Congo in Rabat.

Osimhen, who scored deep into extra time in Thursday’s dramatic 4–1 victory over Gabon, was booked after pulling off his shirt in celebration — an offence classified by FIFA as unsporting behaviour. The caution now places the Galatasaray striker on the brink of suspension.

Should the Super Eagles qualify on Sunday and Osimhen pick up another yellow card, he will automatically be ruled out of the March play-off, dealing a potential blow to Nigeria’s World Cup aspirations.

The 25-year-old remains central to coach Eric Sékou Chelle’s attacking plans, making Sunday’s match a high-stakes affair not only for Nigeria’s qualification hopes but also for the availability of their most influential forward.

Nigeria scores in every match that Osimhen has featured in the World Cup qualifying series/

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Nigeria vice-captain Wilfred Ndidi will miss Sunday’s crucial FIFA World Cup qualification play-off final against DR Congo after receiving a yellow card in the Super Eagles’ 4–1 victory over Gabon on Thursday.

Ndidi was booked as early as the sixth minute for tripping a Gabonese opponent, earning him his second caution of the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. His first booking came in the 49th minute of Nigeria’s 2–0 away win over Rwanda in Kigali eight months ago.

The former Leicester City midfielder becomes the second Super Eagles player sidelined due to accumulated yellow cards in the qualifying series. Semi Ajayi, who previously served a one-match suspension, is now eligible to return for the decisive fixture.

In a statement released by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), head coach Eric Sékou Chelle expressed regret over Ndidi’s absence but affirmed confidence in the squad’s depth.

“Ndidi is an important player for us. His experience, ability and leadership on the pitch are important for this team. But we will manage the situation. We have a large squad of players and we will make changes,” Chelle said, adding that the midfielder will remain with the team to offer mental and emotional support.

Chelle is expected to choose between Raphael Onyedika and Frank Onyeka to fill the midfield role. Onyeka impressed with a strong performance during extra time in Thursday’s match, boosting his chances of starting on Sunday.

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