Benin Republic head coach Gernot Rohr has predicted that Nigeria will defeat DR Congo in Sunday’s decisive World Cup playoff in Rabat, but cautioned that the Leopards possess attributes capable of unsettling the Super Eagles.
Rohr, who previously led Nigeria to a World Cup appearance and an AFCON bronze medal, correctly forecast wins for both teams in the semi-finals on Thursday.
Nigeria beat Gabon 4-1 after extra time, while DR Congo edged Cameroon with a dramatic late header.
‘Nigeria are favourites, but must be careful’
Rohr described Nigeria as the stronger side on paper but stressed that DR Congo’s physical profile and set-piece efficiency make them a genuine threat.
He pointed to the Congolese winner against Cameroon as evidence of their discipline and aerial power.
“Of course, Nigeria is the favourite, but they must be careful,” he told The Nation.
“Congo has a physically strong team and are dangerous on set pieces with good physical and mental strength.”
Rohr confident in Nigeria’s collective quality
The Franco-German coach said Nigeria’s overall organisation and individual talent give them the edge but warned that Congo’s intensity could complicate the Super Eagles’ bid to reach the 2026 intercontinental playoff.
“It will be an interesting game, but I think Nigeria will go through because they have better qualities collectively,” Rohr said.
Personal interest ahead of AFCON assignment
Rohr confirmed he will be in Rabat to watch the fixture as part of his preparation for Benin’s opening AFCON match in December, which will be against DR Congo.
“It’s important for us because we are playing our first AFCON game against DR Congo,” he said. “We will be in Rabat to watch the match.”
Nigeria enter the contest with five wins in their last six matches, including a tense semi-final win over Gabon that required extra-time goals from Chidera Ejuke and Victor Osimhen.
DR Congo, buoyed by disciplined defending and lethal set-pieces, are seeking their first World Cup appearance since 1974.
Both nations have met only once competitively, a 2-0 Nigeria win in the quarterfinals of the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations.
Sunday’s match in Rabat will determine Africa’s representative in the March 2026 intercontinental playoff, with victory keeping Nigeria’s World Cup hopes alive.
