Former Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr has backed Nigeria to edge DR Congo in Sunday night's decisive CAF 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff final in Rabat, but cautioned that the Congolese pose a real threat.
Rohr, now in charge of the Benin Republic national team, believes Nigeria have the quality to "go through" after their 4-1 extra-time win over Gabon, while DR Congo advanced with a dramatic stoppage-time header to defeat Cameroon 1-0.
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"Of course, Nigeria is the favourite, but they must be careful," Rohr said as quoted in the Nation newspaper.
The Franco-German coach warned that DR Congo's physicality and set-piece strength could trouble the Super Eagles, attributes that were evident in their win against Cameroon.
"Congo has a physically strong team and are dangerous on set pieces, with good physical and mental strength," he noted.
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Despite the warning signs, Rohr remains confident that Nigeria's superior teamwork should see them through.
"It will be an interesting game, but I think Nigeria will go through because they have better qualities collectively," he added.
"But we will see if my prediction comes true, just as I predicted both teams would win their semi-finals."
Sunday's clash will be the second competitive meeting between the nations. Nigeria won their previous encounter 2-0 in the quarterfinals of the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia.