'One of the best in Africa' - DR Congo coach admits Leopards are not on Super Eagles level

DR Congo head coach Sébastien Desabre has admitted that his side will be the underdogs when they face Nigeria in Sunday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs final.

The Leopards booked their place in the showdown after a tense 1-0 victory over Cameroon, while the Super Eagles powered through with an emphatic 4-1 win against Gabon.

Speaking before the crucial encounter against Nigeria, the 49-year-old tactician praised Nigeria’s quality and acknowledged the gulf in experience and ranking between both teams.

'We beat a good Cameroon team who took a lot of risks at the end of the match to score. And then there is Nigeria, which remains one of the best in Africa," Sébastien Desabre said at the post-match press conference after his side's hard-fought win over Cameroon.

He noted that the Super Eagles are clear favourites based on pedigree, adding that the Leopards are still in the process of building a stronger, more competitive squad.

"These are teams that are ahead of us in the Fifa ranking and we know we have room for improvement as we showed tonight."

Desabre, however, expressed confidence in his team’s steady progress and promised that DR Congo will approach the final with full commitment.

"We must move forward, we're making progress. We took a good step today and we will have another opportunity against Nigeria to show what we are capable of," he added.

"That will be another match and whatever happens we will throw ourselves into the game."

Nigeria will now face DR Congo in the final playoff on Sunday at the Moulay Hassan Stadium.

A win will secure the Super Eagles a spot in the intercontinental playoffs scheduled for March 2026, bringing them a step closer to qualifying for the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Adeyemi Adewale

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