World Cup (Q): Rohr backs Nigeria to secure win over DR Congo

Former Nigeria national team coach Gernot Rohr believes the Super Eagles have what it takes to beat DR Congo when they face off in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoffs in Morocco.

Following their success to eliminate Gabon after a 4-1 win in the semifinal, the Super Eagles will now come up against the Leopards, who defeated Cameroon 1-0.

Ahead of the game, Rohr, who currently handles the Benin national team, remained convinced that Nigeria will head into the game as favourites and stand a good chance to qualify.

‘I think Nigeria will go through’

“Nigeria, for me, remain favourites,” Rohr stated, as quoted by The Nation. “But they must play with discipline and caution. Congo are a physically robust side and very dangerous from set plays, as they showed against Cameroon. Their mental strength is also high.”

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

On Benin facing DR Congo in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, Rohr said: “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.

“It’s important for us because we are playing our first game in the AFCON against DR Congo in December.”

The final between Nigeria and DR Congo will be played at Stade Prince Heritier Moulay Hassan in Morocco on Sunday for a shot at the FIFA World Cup Play-Off Tournament and, ultimately, a place at World Cup 26.