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Does Portugal Need Ronaldo To Win The 2026 World Cup?

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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1

Portugal punched their ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in emphatic fashion on Sunday, tearing apart Armenia 9–1 in a dominant display that underlined something very clear: they might no longer need Cristiano Ronaldo to be at their ruthless best.

A Statement Win

From the first whistle, it was clear that Roberto Martínez’s side meant business. Just seven minutes in, Renato Veiga headed home a smart set-piece delivery to get Portugal off to a fast start. But Armenia responded almost immediately, as Eduard Spertsyan equalised to give the underdogs some brief hope. 

That hope, however, was extinguished quickly. Gonçalo Ramos pounced on a back pass to restore the lead, and soon after, João Neves struck from outside the box. The young midfielder then curled in a free-kick to make it three. 
Before the break, Bruno Fernandes converted a penalty to stretch the lead to 5–1. 

In the second half, Portugal didn’t let up. Fernandes added two more goals — one from another penalty, to complete his hat-trick, and Neves followed by netting his third. Francisco Conceição put the exclamation mark on the rout with a long-range strike deep in stoppage time. 

Ronaldo’s Absence, Portugal’s Strength

Perhaps the most striking part of the night was Ronaldo’s absence. The veteran was suspended after his red card in the defeat to Ireland just days earlier, meaning he watched from the sidelines as his teammates dismantled Armenia. 

That fact raises a glaring question: do the Seleção still need their legendary captain to deliver in big moments? On this form, the answer might well be shifting.

New Generation Takes the Spotlight

Sunday wasn’t just about breaking down a weak defense, it was about a new generation stepping up. Fernandes, a seasoned midfielder, showed his class, but João Neves, still very young in his international career, burst into the headlines. His composure, technique, and sheer confidence were on full display as he matched Fernandes with a hat-trick. 

Add to that Ramos, whose sharp movement and calmness around goal underscored Portugal’s growing attacking depth. These are not just role-players; they are leaders in their own right.

Tactical Poise Under Martínez

Roberto Martínez deserves credit. Without Ronaldo, one might have expected Portugal to be less threatening or less balanced. Instead, they played with control, aggression, and tactical intelligence. Their structure didn’t collapse without their talisman — it reinforced their broader strengths.

Their press was high, their passing crisp, and their rotations seamless. Martínez’s faith in a younger, dynamic lineup paid off handsomely.

The Psychological Factor: How Important Is Ronaldo?

Ronaldo has long brought leadership, experience, and a psychological edge. Opponents fear him. Teammates lean on him. But this match suggests that Portugal’s mental toughness is no longer solely built around him.

The young players, Neves, Ramos, Veiga — looked both confident and hungry. They weren’t just playing for themselves; they were playing for the team, for Portugal. And that could be the most dangerous formula of all.

What This Means for 2026

  • Qualification secured: With this result, Portugal confirmed their spot in the 2026 World Cup.
  • Ronaldo’s future: At 40 (or thereabouts, depending on how you count), Ronaldo is eyeing a sixth World Cup. But how big a role will he realistically play?
  • A balanced squad: This match was proof that Portugal may not need to rely on a single superstar — they can win convincingly with a broader, younger core.

A Statement, Not Just a Win

Portugal’s 9–1 demolition of Armenia wasn’t just qualification sealed, it was a statement. With or without Ronaldo, this squad has the firepower, cohesion, and depth to challenge on the world’s biggest stage.

If this is the blueprint for 2026, then far from being a crutch, Ronaldo may become a luxury: not essential, but deadly when deployed smartly. And for Portugal, that might be the evolution they need to finally go all the way.

DR Congo Ends Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup Dreams

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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22

Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup came to a heartbreaking end on Sunday after DR Congo edged the Super Eagles on penalties following a tense 1-1 draw in Rabat.

Frank Onyeka gave Nigeria a dream start with a goal inside the opening three minutes, but DR Congo hit back in the 32nd minute through Meschak Elia. The equalizer shifted momentum, and although both sides carved out chances, the first half ended level.

There were early second-half concerns for Nigeria as star striker Victor Osimhen failed to return after the break. Sevilla forward Akor Adams was introduced in his place, followed later by Tolu Arokodare, but the changes brought little improvement. Chidera Ejuke and Moses Simon also came on to strengthen the attack, yet the Super Eagles were pinned back for long spells as the Leopards pushed aggressively for a winner.

Nigeria managed to withstand the pressure and dragged the match into extra time. DR Congo continued to dominate, and even though they had scored, their effort was chalked off for a foul on goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. The Chippa United shot-stopper then produced a crucial stoppage-time save to keep the Super Eagles alive.

With the game still tied after 120 minutes, penalties were needed to separate the sides. Nwabali saved two spot-kicks, giving Nigeria hope. But in sudden death, Semi Ajayi’s effort was stopped, and Chancel Mbemba stepped up to score the decisive penalty, sealing DR Congo’s place in the intercontinental playoffs and ending Nigeria’s World Cup campaign.

Nigeria had reached this round after a convincing 4-1 win over Gabon, while DR Congo progressed by defeating Cameroon. With qualification hopes now over, the Super Eagles will shift focus to the 2025 AFCON, scheduled to take place in Morocco next month.

CAF Introduces Free E-Visas For Fans Traveling To Morocco

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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5

The Confederation of African Football (CAF), in partnership with the AFCON Morocco 2025 Local Organising Committee, has announced that fans attending next year’s continental tournament will now be able to obtain free electronic visas.

The initiative applies to citizens of countries that typically require a visa to enter Morocco.

According to a statement published on CAF’s website, supporters travelling for the competition—which runs from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026—can access the complimentary e-visa through the YALLA app.

CAF noted that the decision comes as global interest in Africa’s premier football tournament continues to rise, with ticket purchases increasing across several countries.

To gain entry into Morocco and access match venues, fans must secure two key documents: a Fan ID and an electronic visa.

“The Fan ID is compulsory for entry into all stadiums and designated Fan Zones. Both the Fan ID and e-visa applications can be completed within the YALLA app, offering a simplified process for travellers,” the statement explained.

The governing body added that the integrated system ensures faster, more secure, and user-friendly processing for both international supporters and local attendees.

Fans can begin the process by downloading the YALLA app via Google Play or the App Store, or by visiting the official YALLA website. After completing the Fan ID form, applicants who require a visa can then submit their e-visa request through the same platform.

Once applications are approved, supporters will be able to purchase match tickets directly from the CAF ticketing platform.

CAF emphasized that the new measures are part of efforts to deliver a smooth and secure experience for the tournament, which will take place across nine stadiums in six cities.

Morocco will be hosting AFCON for the first time since 1988, and excitement is building as 24 teams prepare to compete in what promises to be a thrilling showdown featuring the continent’s top football talent.

US Urges Global Effort To Halt Weapons Flow To Sudan’s Forces

By
Ohiomoje Margaret
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2

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has urged countries worldwide to take coordinated steps to block weapons from reaching Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), who have been accused of mass killings in el-Fasher.

At the close of a G7 foreign ministers meeting in Canada, Rubio said the RSF had carried out widespread abuses, including killings, rape, and other forms of sexual violence against civilians.

Sudan’s military claims that the United Arab Emirates is supplying the RSF with arms and mercenaries routed through several African states. Both the UAE and the RSF have consistently denied this.

The RSF has been locked in combat with Sudan’s army since April 2023, when a struggle for power between their leaders escalated into a nationwide conflict.

Rubio’s remarks rank among the Trump administration’s strongest public criticisms of the RSF and the war in Sudan, though the practical impact remains uncertain.

A humanitarian ceasefire previously backed by the US has already been breached by the RSF, despite the group agreeing to it only a week earlier.

The RSF took control of el-Fasher last month following an 18-month blockade, giving them full control of major cities in the wider Darfur region.

Only a small share of residents managed to flee before the takeover, and reports suggest massacres occurred inside the city. Satellite images show bodies lying on the ground and large areas stained with blood.

According to US officials and aid organisations, non-Arab communities in Darfur are being systematically targeted by the RSF in what amounts to genocide.

During discussions held near Niagara Falls, Rubio said women and children in el-Fasher had faced extreme brutality.

Rubio told reporters: “They’re committing acts of sexual violence and atrocities, just horrifying atrocities, against women, children, innocent civilians of the most horrific kind. And it needs to end immediately.

“And we’re going to do everything we can to bring it to an end, and we’ve encouraged partner nations to join us in this fight.”

However, Rubio avoided directly criticising Abu Dhabi despite evidence—considered credible by the UN—that the UAE is the primary source of the RSF’s weaponry.

The Trump administration is seeking to end the conflict in cooperation with the UAE, Egypt and Saudi Arabia—countries aligned with Sudan’s military-led government and collectively referred to as the “Quad”.

Rubio said on Wednesday, “I don’t want to get into calling anybody out at a press conference today, because what we want is a good outcome here,” though he added: “We know who the parties are that are involved [in weapons supply]… That’s why they’re part of the Quad along with other countries involved.”

In September, the Quad presented a plan for a three-month humanitarian truce, followed by a permanent ceasefire and a nine-month pathway toward civilian governance.

On Thursday, the UAE released a statement expressing “alarm at the heinous attacks against civilians by RSF forces in El Fasher”.

The UAE also accused Sudan’s army of “starvation tactics, indiscriminate bombardment of populated areas, and the reported use of chemical weapons”.

The military has previously rejected those accusations.

The RSF agreed to the ceasefire only after securing control of el-Fasher. Sudan’s army, despite objecting to the UAE’s involvement in the Quad, says it is still reviewing the proposal.

Fighting in the area has continued without interruption.

Rubio dismissed RSF claims that rogue fighters were responsible for the violence, insisting the group’s actions were deliberate and coordinated.

Asked about his assessment of the scale of atrocities, he said the US fears thousands of people who were expected to escape el-Fasher are either dead or too weakened by hunger to flee.

He added that the RSF depends heavily on foreign supplies due to lacking domestic weapons production, urging countries providing support to halt shipments.

The RSF responded with a lengthy statement accusing critics of issuing “all biased statements against them”.

The group again denied receiving assistance from external actors and claimed others were attempting to blame them in order to distract from the army’s rejection of the ceasefire.

“The party that has rejected all ceasefire initiatives and refused to engage in them is the army affiliated with the terrorist Islamic Movement,” it said, “while our forces responded in good faith officially announcing their approval. Yet to this day we have not received any reply from the US side. So, where is the other party and where is its response?”

The G7’s joint statement also condemned the escalating conflict in Sudan, saying the war between the RSF and Sudan’s army has created “the world’s largest humanitarian crisis”.

More than 150,000 people have been killed so far, and around 12 million have been uprooted from their homes.

Experts have extensively documented how weapons continue to flow into Sudan over the course of the two-year conflict.

Amnesty International reports evidence of weapons manufactured in Serbia, Russia, China, Turkey, Yemen and the UAE being used in the fighting.

A leaked UN expert report indicates that smuggled weapons often travel through the UAE, then to Chad, and finally into Darfur.

The UAE is specifically accused of providing arms to the RSF, who are also alleged to sell illicit gold through Emirati channels.

On Wednesday, Rubio stressed that assistance to the RSF “isn’t just coming from some country that’s paying for it – it’s also coming from countries that are allowing their territory to be used to ship it and transport it”.

He added that other actors also play a role in the conflict, saying “that includes potentially the Iranians, at least money and weapons being flown into the other side”, referring to Sudan’s army.

All sides have denied these claims.

Two weeks ago, the UK government faced criticism from lawmakers following reports that British-made weapons were being used by the RSF to carry out atrocities.

In response to a call from an MP to “end all arms shipments to the UAE until it is proved that the UAE is not arming the RSF”, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “The UK has extremely strong controls on arms exports, including to prevent any diversion. We will continue to take that immensely seriously.”

Although Darfur has been under a UN arms embargo since 2004, human rights groups say it has never been extended to the rest of Sudan.

EU Weighs Training Program For 3,000 Gaza Police Officers

By
Ohiomoje Margaret
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2

European Union foreign ministers are set to review a proposal next week that would see the bloc take charge of training 3,000 Palestinian police officers from Gaza, according to an internal document obtained by Reuters.

The plan, drafted by the European External Action Service (EEAS), outlines possible EU contributions to a 20-point framework for Gaza put forward by U.S. President Donald Trump. While Israel and Hamas agreed to the initial phase of the U.S. proposal in October, the path forward for the remaining stages remains uncertain.

As part of its recommendations, the EEAS suggested expanding the EU’s existing civilian missions in the region, which currently support Palestinian Authority (PA) policing reforms and provide border assistance. Under the new proposal, the EU police mission would assume a leading role in preparing approximately 3,000 PA-affiliated police officers from Gaza for future deployment, with the long-term goal of training the entire 13,000-member Gaza police force.

The document also floats the possibility of widening the EU’s border monitoring mission in Rafah to include additional crossing points.

Despite the detailed proposals, it is unclear whether the bloc will move ahead. Diplomatic dynamics remain complex, especially as Russia on Thursday submitted its own draft UN resolution on Gaza, challenging Washington’s effort to secure support for the U.S. plan.

US Adds 50,000 Federal Employees Under Trump, Expanding Immigration Workforce

By
Ohiomoje Margaret
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0

The federal government has taken on 50,000 new employees since President Donald Trump assumed office, according to the nation’s top personnel official, with most positions tied to national security in line with the administration’s priorities.

Most of these additions serve within Immigration and Customs Enforcement, said Scott Kupor, the federal government’s chief human resources officer, during a Thursday night interview.

This staffing shift forms part of Trump’s broader effort to overhaul the structure of the federal workforce while significantly reducing positions in other sectors.

Kupor explained that the initiative centers on “reshaping the workforce” to align with what the administration views as its most critical goals.

Even as these new employees were added, hiring was halted and workers were laid off across multiple agencies, including the Internal Revenue Service and the Department of Health and Human Services.

Kupor noted in August that the administration anticipated cutting roughly 300,000 federal jobs this year.

Earlier in January, Trump appointed billionaire Elon Musk to spearhead a plan aimed at reducing the 2.4-million-person civilian workforce, arguing it had grown overly large and inefficient.

As part of the reduction efforts, employees involved in enforcing civil rights protections, tax collection, and clean energy initiatives were dismissed.

Roughly 154,000 workers opted to take buyout packages offered by the administration, affecting numerous government services such as weather monitoring, food inspection, public health programs, and space-related operations, according to former workers and union representatives.

Who Is Ezra Olubi? Paystack Co-founder Embroiled In Shocking Sexual Allegations

By
Promise Ogodogu
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0

Ezra Olubi, born 12 November 1986 in Ibadan, Nigeria, is a software engineer and entrepreneur. He studied computer engineering at Babcock University and co-founded fintech company Paystack alongside Shola Akinlade in 2015, which was later acquired by Stripe in 2020 for a reported sum of 200 million dollars.

In 2022, he was awarded a national honor (Order of the Niger) by the late Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari.

Old Tweets Resurface

In mid-November 2025, Olubi came under intense public scrutiny after a sexual allegation involving a subordinate began circulating on social media (X formerly Twitter).

Alongside the allegation, a wave of old social media posts attributed to Olubi from approximately 2009–2013 resurfaced online, triggering widespread outrage. Some of these quoted tweets include: “Save water. Take a bath with your neighbor’s daughter.”

“On a lighter note, I hear sex with a minor cures HIV. So my +ve followers, help yourselves. Ur neighbour’s daughter isn’t looking bad today.”

“Mtn keeps going down on you guys. I wish I were you guys and MTN was a little girl”

“Monday will be more fun with an ‘a’ in it. Touch a coworker today. Inappropriately.”

“I judge my female friends by the sounds their pee makes.” Thanks to the audio recorder in my bathroom.”

“What a wonderful world it would be if muslim women took the same position as the men do during prayers”

Social Media Reaction

These posts and many others include content referencing minors, sexualised jokes, and workplace misconduct. They have been described by many social media users as “predatory”, “offensive,” and unbecoming of a senior corporate leader.

X user Maryjane shared: “When you think you’ve seen the most degenerate tweet Ezra has made, the next one humbles you.”

Another X user, Naz, also qouted: “Ezra tweets be like Epstein files”

Aftermath

Following the resurfacing of his tweets, he immediately deactivated his X(Twitter) account and has yet to speak publicly on his resurfaced tweets.

Paystack, the Stripe-owned Nigerian payments company, has also suspended Ezra Olubi as Chief Technology Officer following the allegations.

As co-founder and former CTO of one of Africa’s most prominent fintech firms, Ezra Olubi’s alleged conduct has implications not just for him personally but for Paystack’s brand and investor confidence.

The case serves as a reminder that digital footprints from years past can resurface and impact reputations and accountability structures even for senior executives.

It also touches on issues of sexual misconduct in the workplace, especially where power imbalances such as superior-subordinate relationships exist.

Why National Assembly Moved WAEC CBT Adoption To 2030

By
Ohiomoje Margaret
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3

The National Assembly has ordered the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the Federal Ministry of Education to suspend the planned introduction of Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), shifting the implementation date to 2030.

The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by Hon. Kelechi Wogu during Thursday’s plenary session, in which he warned that the sudden transition to digital examinations could trigger widespread failure and place undue psychological pressure on students across the country.

During the debate, Wogu argued that the Ministry of Education appeared determined to proceed with the CBT model despite strong objections from teachers, school administrators, and stakeholders in rural communities. According to him, more than 70 per cent of WAEC candidates come from areas where schools lack functional computer laboratories, reliable electricity, trained ICT teachers, and stable internet connectivity.

He added that the recent technical glitches that affected the 2025 WAEC results portal showed that even the examination body itself was not fully prepared for a nationwide digital rollout. Following his submissions, the House unanimously adopted the motion and directed relevant committees to meet with stakeholders and report back within four weeks.

Why This New Development

The shift to 2030 is largely a response to concerns that the 2026 target was unrealistic given the current state of educational infrastructure across Nigeria. Lawmakers argued that mandating CBT within such a short timeframe would create conditions that could jeopardise students’ performance, particularly those in public and rural schools.

The House also emphasised the need for a phased transition that allows state governments, school owners, and the Ministry of Education to budget adequately for ICT facilities over a four-year period.

The lawmakers noted that while the long-term vision of digitising examinations aligns with global standards and could reduce malpractice, a policy that does not accommodate Nigeria’s infrastructural realities would ultimately undermine its own objectives. To this end, they directed the Ministry of Education and state governments to include ICT laboratories, computer procurement, recruitment of ICT teachers, backup power installations, and internet services in their 2026 to 2029 budget cycles.

The Issues

The central issue driving the postponement is the significant infrastructural gap between urban and rural schools. Many rural communities have little or no access to computers, and even schools with computer labs often struggle with erratic power supply, outdated devices, limited bandwidth, and insufficiently trained personnel to supervise CBT sessions. Education unions have repeatedly expressed that these challenges would create unequal conditions for students if WAEC were allowed to enforce compulsory CBT by 2026.

Another concern raised by Wogu and other stakeholders is the sheer scale of WASSCE. Unlike single-subject examinations, WAEC candidates sit for multiple papers, often requiring different session arrangements. This means hundreds of computers must be functional, synchronised, and supported by backup power for hours every day across several weeks.

WAEC’s own minimum requirement, including 250 laptops, a central server, CCTV cameras, uninterrupted power supply, and a backup generator, is currently unattainable for thousands of schools, especially public institutions.

The lawmakers concluded that ignoring these realities would set the stage for chaos, mass failure, and potential disenfranchisement of students who lack digital access.

What Obtains At The Moment

For now, the National Assembly’s directive means CBT will not be implemented in WASSCE until the 2030 academic year at the earliest. WAEC is expected to continue with the traditional paper-based examination while simultaneously supporting schools as they begin gradual upgrades to digital assessment infrastructure.

The House committees on Basic Education, Digital and Information Technology, Examination Bodies, and Labour have also been instructed to meet with WAEC, the Ministry of Education, school associations, and ICT experts to draft a workable implementation roadmap. This framework is expected to outline funding responsibilities, timelines for school upgrades, minimum digital standards, and training requirements for teachers and exam supervisors.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education has not withdrawn its earlier guidelines, which require schools to install computer laboratories equipped with at least 250 functional laptops, central servers, CCTV systems, cooling and lighting systems, and backup generators. However, with the new legislative directive, compliance with these requirements is no longer tied to a 2026 deadline.

Reactions

The development has sparked mixed reactions on X (formerly Twitter), where many Nigerians have expressed frustration, concern, or relief depending on their perspective.

One user, @joe_nne2567, questioned the practicality of the initial 2026 deadline, asking: “How many schools have computers? How many students have access to computer? The timing is wrong.”

Another user, @Ijele_troyes, expressed disappointment with lawmakers, writing: “How can we move forward with this type of legislators? I feel sorry for this country.”

Similarly, @cr7snap suggested a more flexible model, saying: “There should be two ways. Either you do the manual way or the CBT way. You learn from errors.”

On the other side of the debate, @Goody_Essien criticised the National Assembly’s decision, arguing that halting the transition rather than solving infrastructural gaps is a backward step. He wrote: “Instead of improving digital access and infrastructure for our students, we’re asking WAEC to suspend CBT exams. That’s not empathy – it’s regression. The world is moving forward; why does Nigeria keep circling the past?”

These contrasting opinions reflect the broader national debate: while many Nigerians acknowledge the need for digital transformation in education, there is clear disagreement over how quickly it should happen and whether the country is ready to support such a major shift.

Ronaldo Red Card Drama Steals The Show As Portugal Stumble In Dublin

By
Ayomitunde Adeyemi
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0

Cristiano Ronaldo, the face of Portugal’s golden generation, found himself at the centre of controversy at the Aviva Stadium as the Republic of Ireland stunned the visitors 2–0. Ronaldo was initially booked for an elbow on Dara O’Shea, but after a pitch-side VAR review, the yellow was upgraded to a red — his first sending-off in 226 Portugal appearances, leaving Portugal down to ten and swinging momentum firmly in Ireland’s favour.

Manager Roberto Martínez publicly defended his captain, calling the sending-off harsh and arguing the replay exaggerated the contact; he also criticised comments from the Ireland camp that suggested referees were being influenced. Despite the loss, Portugal remains top of Group F, but their margin is thin and Ronaldo’s suspension guarantees he will miss the next qualifier — a blow for a side still hunting certainty ahead of the World Cup.

Ireland took full advantage after the sending-off, converting Portugal’s vulnerability into goals and a disciplined display that closed out a landmark 2–0 victory. The result hands Ireland a huge morale boost while forcing Portugal into a nervy finish to the group phase, with one eye now on damage limitation and squad discipline.

France finishes the job, Mbappé shines as Les Bleus qualify

In Paris, France made absolutely sure of their place at the 2026 World Cup, powering past Ukraine 4–0 with Kylian Mbappé the standout performer. France’s clinical showing sealed qualification and allowed Les Bleus to mark a significant victory on an emotional night for the nation.

England keeps rolling with a professional win over Serbia

England maintained their unbeaten qualifying run with a measured 2–0 victory against Serbia. Head coach Thomas Tuchel praised his squad depth after substitutes helped see the game out, with England delivering another clean, functional performance as they continue to build toward next summer’s tournament.

Norway surge closer — Haaland and Sörloth on target

Norway moved to the brink of qualification with a dominant 4–1 win over Estonia. Erling Haaland and Alexander Sörloth took centre stage as the Scandinavians opened up a healthy gap at the top of Group I, leaving them heavily favoured to clinch a spot in North America.

Hungary edges Armenia in tight finish

Hungary grabbed a narrow 1–0 victory away in Yerevan, a result that keeps them firmly in the battle in their group and tightens the race for playoff positions as the final matchday approaches.

Quick takeaway

Thursday’s qualifiers handed up drama and decisive results: Ronaldo’s red card rewrote Portugal’s immediate narrative and raises suspension questions; France and Norway took big steps toward the World Cup; while England and Hungary kept steady, leaving several groups headed to tense final fixtures.

It’s Nigeria Vs Dr Congo In Winner-Takes-All Play-Off Final For 2026 World Cup Pathway

By
Emenike Agu
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3

Nigeria and DR Congo will meet in Sunday’s CAF World Cup play-off final in Rabat, with the winners advancing to March’s FIFA Inter-Continental Play-Off and keeping their FIFA World Cup 26™ dream alive. 

Kick-off is 20:00 local time (19:00 GMT) at the Stade Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan.

Eric Sékou Chelle’s Super Eagles arrive with momentum after a dramatic 4–1 extra-time win over Gabon.

Nigeria were pegged back late in normal time but finished emphatically, as Chidera Ejuke struck early in extra time before Victor Osimhen sealed it with a ruthless brace, adding to Akor Adams’ opener. 

The three-time African champions have now put themselves 90 minutes from the inter-continental shootout that offers Africa’s 10th ticket to 2026.

Opponents DR Congo advanced the hard way, edging Cameroon 1–0 thanks to a stoppage-time finish from captain Chancel Mbemba, who turned in a Cipenga corner after a disciplined defensive display.

Sébastien Desabre’s side kept their shape, relied on Lionel Mpasi’s secure handling, and punished the Indomitable Lions at the death despite André Onana’s earlier saves.

The final sets up an intriguing clash of styles: Nigeria’s direct speed and penalty-box punch, led by Osimhen and supplied by Wilfred Ndidi’s line-breaking passes, against a Leopards unit that has married organisation with timely set-piece threat.

Cedric Bakambu’s experience and Fiston Mayele’s running give DR Congo counters to Nigeria’s high press, while Mbemba’s leadership anchors a back line comfortable absorbing pressure.

With no second chances, detail will decide it: transitions, set-plays, and game management in the Moroccan capital.

The winners move on to the six-team FIFA Inter-Continental Play-Off in March—two spots available for the world stage—while the losers see their route to 2026 close.

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