The Super Eagles of Nigeria are set to face the Leopards of DR Congo in the 2026 World Cup playoff final on Sunday, with former Nigerian international Ahmed Garba backing his country to emerge victorious.

Nigeria secured their spot in the final with a convincing 4-1 win over Gabon in the semi-finals, thanks in part to Victor Osimhen’s two goals in extra time. In contrast, DR Congo edged past Cameroon 1-0 in their semi-final match, courtesy of a late goal. The two teams will now meet in Rabat, Morocco, to compete for the African ticket to the intercontinental playoffs.

According to Garba, the upcoming match against DR Congo will be a challenging one, given the Leopards’ recent win over Cameroon, a highly regarded team in African football. He anticipates a physically demanding game, emphasizing the need for the Nigerian team to be well-prepared. Despite this, Garba expressed confidence in the Super Eagles’ ability to secure a win, citing their regained confidence and overall team development.

The significance of this match cannot be overstated, as the winner will earn a coveted spot in the intercontinental playoffs, bringing them one step closer to participating in the 2026 World Cup. The Super Eagles, with their three African championships, will be seeking to leverage their experience and skill to overcome the Leopards and advance in the competition.

As the teams prepare to face off, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see which country will ultimately claim the African ticket to the intercontinental playoffs. With the stage set for an intense and closely contested match, the outcome is far from certain, and only time will tell if the Super Eagles will emerge victorious as Garba predicts.