15/10/2025
WHO WINS?
NIGERIA, CAMEROON, DR CONGO & GABON HEAD FOR WORLD CUP PLAYOFFS BATTLE
The race for Africa’s final ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has narrowed to four nations - Cameroon, Nigeria, DR Congo, and Gabon who will slug it out in the CAF playoffs scheduled for November 2025. Only one of these countries will advance to the inter-confederation playoffs, where they’ll fight for a coveted place at the expanded World Cup next year.
The stakes could not be higher. Each of these countries has endured a long and grueling qualifying campaign, falling just short of automatic qualification. Now, one final hurdle remains, a two-round knockout playoff where form, tactics, and mental resilience will be tested to the limit.
NIGERIA - FAVOURITES UNDER PRESSURE
The Super Eagles enter the playoffs as the highest-ranked side among the four and the most experienced at this stage of the competition. Nigeria’s squad depth featuring global stars like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, and Calvin Bassey, gives the Eagles a clear edge in quality and attacking firepower.
However, Nigeria’s recent form in qualifying has been inconsistent. Defensive lapses and lack of creativity in midfield have often forced the team into hard-fought draws. The Super Eagles must rediscover their attacking rhythm and mental sharpness to avoid another costly slip.
Still, given the the team’s pedigree and experience, Nigeria remain favourites to win the semi-final clash against Gabon and advance to the playoffs final. If they maintain focus, they stand the best chance of representing Africa in the inter-continental playoffs. Chances of advancing: ★★★★☆ (Strong contenders)
CAMEROON - LIONS WITH A POINT TO PROVE
Few nations embody African World Cup heritage like Cameroon. The Indomitable Lions have appeared in eight World Cups, more than any other African nation, and will be desperate not to miss out on the 2026 edition.
Their path to the playoffs has not been smooth. Despite flashes of brilliance from players like André Onana, Vincent Aboubakar, and Bryan Mbeumo, inconsistency and internal administrative wrangles have unsettled the camp. Yet, Cameroon’s experience in high-pressure knockout football makes them a dangerous opponent.
They face DR Congo in the semi-final; a tricky encounter that will likely be decided by discipline and tactical awareness. If Cameroon stay organized and take their chances, they could easily progress to the final and mount a strong push for qualification: Chances of advancing: ★★★★☆ (Very competitive)
DR CONGO - DANGEROUS OUTSIDERS
The Leopards of DR Congo have quietly built a reputation as one of Africa’s most unpredictable sides. With a blend of European-based talent and local energy, they have the tools to trouble any opponent.
DR Congo’s defensive stability and athleticism make them particularly effective in one-off games like these playoffs. The challenge, however, lies in their consistency in front of goal. In matches where small margins decide everything, their ability to convert chances will be crucial.
Facing Cameroon is no small task, but DR Congo have nothing to lose. Their underdog status could allow them to play with freedom and confidence. These are qualities that often produce upsets in knockout football. Chances of advancing: ★★★☆☆ (Capable of an upset)
GABON - THE DARK HORSES
Among the four contenders, Gabon are the least fancied, yet, their journey to this stage has been impressive. Finishing among the best runners-up, they showed discipline and tactical maturity throughout qualifying.
Without the star power of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the Panthers have relied on teamwork and compact defending. Their challenge now is monumental: overcoming a star-studded Nigeria side in the semi-final. But football history is filled with underdog stories, and Gabon’s quiet confidence could serve them well.
If they frustrate Nigeria defensively and capitalize on counter-attacks or set pieces, an upset cannot be ruled out. Chances of advancing: ★★☆☆☆ (Underdogs, but with potential)
FINAL VERDICT
On paper, Nigeria and Cameroon appear most likely to contest the playoffs final, given their quality and experience. However, both must be wary of confident, resilient opponents in Gabon and DR Congo, who will see this as a chance to write history.
In one-off matches, rankings mean little. Discipline, hunger, and tactical ex*****on will determine who survives Africa’s last battle for the World Cup.
Predicted Order of Likelihood to Qualify:
1. Nigeria 🇳🇬
2. Cameroon 🇨🇲
3. DR Congo 🇨🇩
4. Gabon 🇬🇦
Only one team can march on, and for Africa’s footballing giants, the line between glory and heartbreak has never been thinner.
