National Teams
Desabre embraces underdog role as DR Congo aim to shock Nigeria in World Cup playoff
By Dayo Awoniyi
DR Congo head coach Sébastien Desabre has accepted the underdog tag ahead of Sunday’s decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Nigeria, but remains confident his team can pull off a historic upset.
Despite a clear disparity in rankings and experience, Desabre believes his players are ready to rise to the challenge.
The Leopards secured their spot in the final with a hard-earned 1-0 victory over Cameroon, while Nigeria easily dispatched Gabon 4-1 to reach this stage.
In his post-match comments, Desabre acknowledged the strength of the Super Eagles but emphasized his side’s progress and determination.
“We’ve just beaten a very strong Cameroon team, but now we face Nigeria, one of the best teams in Africa,” Desabre said after Congo’s win.
“There is a big gap in experience, and Nigeria’s ranking is much higher than ours, but we are improving, and we believe we can compete.”
Congo’s impressive defensive record, which includes three consecutive 1-0 wins, has put them in a strong position heading into the playoff final.
However, the 60th-ranked DR Congo will face a Nigerian team ranked 19th in the world, a clear indication of the uphill battle awaiting the Leopards.
Desabre, who has only been in charge of the team since 2023, praised his players for their growth over the past year and urged them to stay focused on the task at hand.
“We know Nigeria is ahead of us in many ways, but we will approach this game with full belief,” he said. “This is an opportunity to prove ourselves, and we will give everything we’ve got.”
The World Cup dream is alive for DR Congo, who last qualified in 1974 under the name Zaire. Nearly 50 years later, the Leopards are determined to make their return to the global stage, even if it means defying the odds.
“Nigeria is a great team, but we have our own strengths,” Desabre continued. “We will stay compact, stay disciplined, and fight until the final whistle. This is our chance, and we’re ready for it.”
While Nigeria’s pedigree on the international stage cannot be denied, DR Congo will take confidence in their recent form and the underdog mentality that has driven them so far.
With a spot in next year’s World Cup on the line, the final promises to be a thrilling contest between two sides with everything to play for.
