Nigeria, Nov. 16 -- As Nigeria gear up for Sunday night's make-or-break FIFA World Cup playoff final in Rabat, the spotlight naturally falls on the Super Eagles' attack, the midfield dynamics, and the tactical duels that will define the contest.

But across the pitch, one figure towers above every Congolese storyline; Chancel Mbemba, DR Congo's indomitable captain and the emotional heartbeat of the Leopards.

For Nigeria, breaking down Sebastien Desabre's vibrant DR Congo side will be one battle. But neutralising Mbemba, the leader, the organiser, the warrior, may be the real war.

Mbemba is no stranger to Nigerian football. He was part of the DR Congo squad that stunned the Super Eagles in a 2015 friendly in Vise, Belgium, a result many ...