Nigeria, Nov. 16 -- A few months ago, Nigeria looked finished; drifting, directionless, and dangerously close to missing another World Cup.

Today, the Super Eagles stand one win away from reaching Africa's last ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup via the intercontinental playoff. The turnaround has been dramatic, emotional, and fiercely fought.

Today (Sunday) in Rabat, they face a DR Congo side that has made a habit of defying expectations. Nigeria needed extra time to dispatch Gabon 4-1 after a tense 1-1 regulation period. DR Congo, meanwhile, stunned tournament favourites Cameroon with a disciplined 1-0 win, a performance that announced their intent with brutal clarity.

On paper, Nigeria carry a slim advantage. In reality, this is a co...