Former Nigeria national team handler, Gernot Rohr, has predicted the outcome of the 2026 World Cup qualifying playoff final between the Super Eagles and DR Congo.
Nigeria is set to take on DR Congo in the crucial match in Rabat on Sunday night.
While Rohr is backing his former side to beat the Leopards, the Franco-German coach warned that DR Congo has qualities capable of unsettling Nigeria.
Nigeria beat Gabon 4-1 to advance to the final, while DR Congo overpowered Cameroon to set up a meeting with the three-time African champions.
Rohr remains convinced that Nigeria’s superior squad depth and cohesion should ultimately prove decisive.
“Nigeria, for me, remains 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.”
A win for Eric Chelle’s team will also serve as a morale booster for the team ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
A defeat would abruptly halt their quest for a return to football’s greatest stage after missing the 2022 edition.
Benin Republic, Rohr’s team, will encounter DR Congo in the first fixture at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations and the German said he will be watching the game on Sunday to further familiarise with his opponents.
