Onyeka Speaks On DR Congo Threat And Nigeria’s Focus Ahead Of CAF World Cup Playoff Final

‎Brentford star Frank Onyeka vows Nigeria will leave it all on the pitch in Sunday’s decisive CAF World Cup playoff final against DR Congo.

‎Victor Osimhen’s extra-time double powered the Super Eagles to a 4-1 win over Gabon in a gripping semi-final at Rabat’s Moulay Hassan Stadium.

‎Eric Chelle’s team now has to get past Sebastien Desabre’s Congo DR side, who shocked Cameroon, to secure Africa’s lone berth in the inter-confederation playoff.

‎That playoff will feature six teams competing for just two spots at the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

‎Ahead of the crucial clash, the Premier League midfielder assesses Nigeria’s prospects against the impressive Congolese team.

‎He also notes that Congo DR is determined to return to the global stage after a 51-year absence.

‎”The players are ready; the players are focused. We will give everything,” Onyeka told Flashscore.com.

‎”We know how important this game is, so we’ll go all in and by God’s grace, we’ll come out with a victory and Nigerians will be happy.

‎”No nation wants to take this path, but here we are. It’s a tough route, yet our focus must be on emerging as Africa’s number one and securing a spot at the FIFA World Cup. It won’t be easy, but we have to give everything.”

‎Frank on DR Congo’s Quality

‎Chancel Mbemba proved the hero for DR Congo, arriving at the back post to score a dramatic late winner that sealed a narrow victory over the favoured Indomitable Lions.

‎Onyeka recognises the strength and quality within the Central African side but remains composed despite their threat.

‎He insists the Super Eagles will stay committed to their game plan in order to advance.

‎”DR Congo is a good side as well as Cameroon, too, but it was the Congolese that scaled through,” he continued.

‎”There are no easy teams in African football, we just need to focus on ourselves and on Congo. We must be at our best so we can come out with a good result.”

‎DR Congo and Nigeria have faced each other with the Leopards leading the head-to-head record with a 3- 2 match ending in a draw. This will be their first competitive meeting, as the sides last met in a 1-1 friendly in 2018.

‎Onyeka spoke glowingly about Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle, highlighting the positive influence he has had since taking over in January after Finidi George’s brief tenure.

‎He praised Chelle’s leadership and the stability he has brought to the squad. The former Mali international remains unbeaten in 10 matches, a run that began with Nigeria’s 2-0 World Cup qualifier win over Rwanda in Kigali.

‎Onyeka added, “For me, personally, maybe I’m speaking for other players, I think we like him a lot.

‎”We do what he asks us to do and I think everything is working perfectly well. For him, not losing any game is great.

‎”He is here to win games, not to lose games. So, we’re doing everything we can also to help him and to make sure that we come out with victories every time we play.”

‎Chelle earned five caps for the Mali senior national team between 2004 and 2006. The 48-year-old, who also holds French nationality, spent his entire playing career in France, featuring for clubs including Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais before retiring in 2014.

‎Immediately after his pro career, Chelle moved into management, taking the reins at GS Consolat, FC Martigues, and Boulogne.

‎In 2022, he was appointed head coach of Mali’s senior national team after Mohamed Magassouba’s dismissal. Under his leadership, the Eagles qualified for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.