Osimhen leads Nigeria into must-win World Cup play-off clash against DR Congo

Prolific striker Victor Osimhen will be Nigeria’s key weapon on Sunday when the Super Eagles face the Democratic Republic of Congo in a decisive 2026 World Cup qualifier in Rabat.

The showdown is a fight for survival, with the winners advancing to a six-nation intercontinental play-off tournament in Mexico next March, while the losers will see their Qatar 2026 dreams end.

Nigeria and DR Congo were granted a second chance after finishing as the best runners-up from the nine group stages of African qualifying. In Thursday’s semi-finals, Osimhen struck twice in extra time to inspire a 4-1 victory over Gabon, while Chancel Mbemba sealed a late 1-0 win for DR Congo against Cameroon.

Osimhen, the 2023 African Player of the Year, is in blistering form, having netted a hat-trick in the 4-0 demolition of Benin that secured Nigeria’s play-off berth. The Galatasaray forward, who still wears a protective face mask, tormented the Gabonese defence and could have scored six.

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“I was devastated after that miss in added time,” he admitted. “Sometimes I score unbelievable goals, sometimes I miss easy ones. I apologised to the team and promised to score in extra time — and I did.”

Nigeria have qualified for the World Cup six times since 1994 and are determined to avoid missing back-to-back tournaments after losing a play-off to Ghana three years ago.

Despite Nigeria being 19 places above DR Congo in the FIFA rankings, Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle is wary.

“The win over Gabon is already history. DR Congo are formidable opponents,” he said. “The key is passion — we must rediscover it to succeed.”

The Congolese have reached the World Cup only once, in 1974 as Zaire, but French coach Sebastien Desabre has built a resilient side led by captain Mbemba of Lille.

“We have experience. Nothing here is by chance,” Desabre said. “We will give everything against Nigeria.”

Sunday’s clash at the 22,000-seat Prince Heritier Moulay El Hassan Stadium will be the first-ever World Cup qualifying meeting between the two nations.

Bolivia and New Caledonia have already booked intercontinental play-off spots, while Iraq or UAE will represent Asia. Jamaica and Panama are favourites from CONCACAF.

Osimhen leads Nigeria into must-win World Cup play-off clash against DR Congo

Anthony Joshua in talks for £70m showdown with Jake Paul in Miami

Anthony Joshua is on the verge of sealing a sensational £70 million payday from a proposed showdown with YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, with advanced negotiations underway for a blockbuster fight expected to take place in Miami next month.

Sources close to the talks say a mammoth £140 million purse is being discussed, with both fighters in line for an equal split if the bout is finalised. The contest would mark the 36-year-old former heavyweight champion’s first return to the ring since his knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois more than a year ago.

Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, confirmed discussions are ongoing but cautioned that the deal is not yet complete.

“It is not done yet. Jake Paul would be mad to take the fight, but we are talking,” Hearn told Daily Mail Sport, revealing that Joshua had originally been preparing for a low-profile comeback fight before the Paul offer emerged.
“Would it be great for his legacy? No. But he’s already a two-time heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medallist. This opportunity makes 50 times more money.”

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Unlike previous celebrity-driven fights, the bout would be sanctioned as a full professional contest under Queensberry rules — not an exhibition.

A key driving force behind the negotiations is Netflix, which is keen to broadcast the event and capitalise on the enormous streaming numbers generated by Paul’s November 2024 fight with Mike Tyson, watched by more than 60 million viewers. The platform is also currently producing a documentary on Joshua.

Talks accelerated after Paul’s planned fight with lightweight champion Gervonta Davis collapsed. The American influencer-turned-boxer holds a 12-1 record, built largely against ageing or unranked opponents, with his only defeat coming against Tommy Fury.

Frank Warren, promoter of Tyson Fury, also defended the proposed bout.

“People will criticise it, but it will get a massive audience,” he said. “AJ doesn’t make noise in the US — Paul does. People like car crashes. It will do well.”

Joshua, who underwent minor elbow surgery earlier this year, resumed full training in October and is said to be eager to shake off ring rust.

An official announcement is expected as early as next week if negotiations are concluded.

Anthony Joshua in talks for £70m showdown with Jake Paul in Miami

Ronaldo sent off as Ireland stun Portugal in World cup qualifier

Cristiano Ronaldo was shown a red card as the Republic of Ireland secured a shock 2–0 victory over Portugal, delaying Roberto Martinez’s side from sealing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Portugal, the reigning Nations League champions, had gone into Thursday’s fixture believing a win would be enough to book their ticket to next summer’s tournament. However, a brilliant brace from Troy Parrott ensured the visitors left empty-handed.

Parrott, who plays for AZ Alkmaar and previously featured for Tottenham Hotspur, put Ireland ahead in the 16th minute with a close-range header. He struck again just before halftime, doubling the lead and sending the Aviva Stadium into celebration.

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Portugal’s chances of mounting a second-half comeback collapsed when Ronaldo was sent off for elbowing Irish defender Dara O’Shea off the ball. The Portuguese captain initially received a yellow card, but VAR intervention upgraded the decision to a straight red.

The defeat means Portugal must now beat Armenia on Sunday to confirm their World Cup place. Ireland, meanwhile, travel to face Hungary, knowing victory will secure at least second position in the group.

Ronaldo sent off as Ireland stun Portugal in World cup qualifier