DR Congo midfielder Noah Sadiki has revealed the team’s tactical focus that helped them overcome Nigeria in a dramatic World Cup playoff encounter.The Congolese side booked their place in the Intercontinental playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a tense 1-1 draw that extended into extra time, eventually triumphing 4-3 in a penalty shootout against the Super Eagles.Sadiki explained that neutralizing Nigeria’s star striker Victor Osimhen was key to their strategy. “We knew Osimhen is a big player, and there are other top talents in the Nigerian squad, but if we could keep him quiet, we had a real chance of winning,” he told Brila FM.
Osimhen, who had starred in Nigeria’s 4-1 victory over Gabon, started the match but was forced off with an injury in the second half. Following his departure, Nigeria struggled to create clear scoring opportunities, while DR Congo dominated possession and dictated the pace of both the second half and extra time.The setback means Osimhen will miss another World Cup, having already been absent from the 2022 tournament. He will now set his sights on the 2030 edition, at which point he will be 31 years old.Individually, the former Napoli striker remains in contention for the 2025 African Player of the Year award, alongside Mohamed Salah and Achraf Hakimi.
For DR Congo, the victory brings them closer to a historic return to the World Cup, aiming to make only their second appearance since debuting in 1974.
