2026 WCQ playoffs: Rohr predicts Nigeria vs DR Congo final
Former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has tipped Nigeria and DR Congo to reach the final of the Africa World Cup playoffs, as the continent’s top sides battle for a place in next year’s intercontinental playoffs.
The Benin Republic coach, who previously managed both Nigeria and Gabon, believes the Super Eagles’ superior talent and cohesion will see them overcome the Panthers in their semi-final clash on November 13 in Rabat, Morocco.
‘Nigeria have better players’ – Rohr
Speaking to NationSport, Rohr said: “Gabon and Nigeria are two good teams. Some of their players are still the same ones I worked with between 2010 and 2012 when we reached the quarter-finals of the 2012 AFCON.”
Rohr predicts Nigeria Wil reach the World Cup playoffs final – Getty image
He added that while Gabon’s experience, led by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bruno Ecuele Manga makes them a dangerous side, Nigeria’s superior quality should prove decisive.
“I think Nigeria has better players. If they play collectively like they did against Benin, I think they can beat Gabon.”
Rohr also praised Nigeria’s recent performances under Eric Chelle, urging them to maintain the same level of discipline and teamwork.
DR Congo tipped to edge Cameroon
The Franco-German tactician also predicted that DR Congo would prevail over Cameroon in the other semi-final, citing the Leopards’ individual quality and Cameroon’s ongoing administrative instability.
“Perhaps DR Congo are a bit stronger because they have individually better quality players than Cameroon. Again, Cameroon are facing some administrative problems that may affect their performance,” Rohr noted.
Rohr, who guided Nigeria to the 2018 World Cup and Gabon to the 2012 AFCON quarter-finals, said he expects the eventual African representative to face a tough challenge in the intercontinental playoffs in Mexico, but backed Nigeria to qualify.
“It will be good for FIFA to have a nation like Nigeria, with almost 200 million people, at the World Cup. It would make the tournament more exciting.”
