Nigeria will step up their 2018 Fifa World Cup preparations with a clash with Congo DR at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium.
Osas Idehen’s brace inspired the Super Eagles to a 5-2 win in the last encounter between these countries in a friendly match played in 2010 at the Abuja National Stadium.
Peter Utaka, Victor Nsofor and Chinedu Ezimora were also on the scoresheet as Mbenza Bedi’s double counted for nothing.
Although Monday’s result means little, coach Gernot Rohr will be yearning to test his men’s readiness for their Russia expedition.
The Leopards, meanwhile, find themselves in a period of transition after surrendering their World Cup ticket to Tunisia.
| Game | Nigeria vs Congo DR |
| Date | Monday, May 28 |
| Time | 16.00 WAT |
| Stream (US only) | fubo TV (7-day free trial) |
TV Channel & Live Stream
In the United States (US), the game can be watched live and on-demand with fuboTV (7-day free trial).
New users can sign up for a free seven-day trial of the live sports streaming service, which can be accessed via iOS, Android, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Roku and Apple TV as well as on a web browser.
| US TV channel | Online stream |
|---|---|
| beIN Sports | fubo TV (7-day free trial) |
In the United Kingdom (UK), the game will not be available for broadcast.
Squads & Team News
| Position | Nigeria players |
|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | Uzoho, Ezenwa, Akpeyi, Ajiboye |
| Defenders | Shehu, Ebuehi, Aina, Echiejile, Idowu, Awaziem, Ekong, Balogun, Omeruo, Eze |
| Midfielders | Mikel, Onazi, Ndidi, Etebo, Ogu, Agbo, Obi, Ogu, Agbo, Agu |
| Forwards | Musa, Iheanacho, Simon, Moses, Ighalo, Iwobi, Simeon, Lokosa |
Junior Ajayi could be handed his Super Eagles debut against Serbia as Oghenekaro Etebo may be ruled out through injury.
Francis Uzoho is expected to remain in goal ahead of Ikechukwu Ezenwa and Daniel Akpeyi, with William Troost-Ekong forming a solid partnership with Leon Balogun in defence.
Potential Nigeria XI: Uzoho, Shehu, Ekong, Balogun, Idowu, Obi, Ndidi, Iwobi, Iheanacho, Moses, Ighalo
| Position | Congo DR players |
|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | Kiassumbua, Kudimbana, Mandanda |
| Defenders | Mpeko, Ikoko, Masuaku, Nsakala, Ngonda, Moke, Luyindama, Mavinga, Litombo, Zakuani |
| Midfielders | Mbemba, Maghoma, Ndombele, Tshibola, Kebano, Mpoku, Kakuta |
| Forwards | Bolasie, Ndombe, Akolo, Manzala, Botaka, N'Gbakoto, Bakambu, Assombalonga, Afobe, Kasongo, Malango, Tulenge |
Masuaku, Kasongo, Malango and Tulengi have been handed maiden call-ups to the Leopards fold, while Benik Afobe is looking for his second international goal.
Coach Florent Ibenge is expected to make a few changes to the team that started in the 2-0 defeat to Tazania in March.
Possible Congo DR XI: Kiassumbua, Moke, Nsakala, Luyindama, Masuaku, Mbemba, Ndombele, Mpoku, Tshibola, Ndombe, Afobe
Betting & Match Odds
Nigeria are favourites to win the game, with Lionsbet placing them at 1.55.
Congo DR are a 6.50 play to claim victory, with the draw at 3.75
Match Preview
For Nigerians, the game against Congo DR will be a send forth for the Super Eagles as they depart for their sixth World Cup appearance.
Coach Gernot Rohr would be hoping to experiment a little, but he needs to start settling on a preferred XI.
His biggest selection headache comes between the sticks, with no obvious first choice heading into the 2018 Fifa World Cup.
Simeon Nwankwo and Junior Lokossa may be handed their debut as Rohr will also take the opportunity to explore his options in a three-man attacking unit – his favoured approach – with Ahmed Musa running down the flanks.
Whether the Eagles win or lose, this friendly offers the team an opportunity to build their confidence with competitive football having in mind that they are in a hard-hitting group.
For Congo DR, they will be hoping to rebuild on the back of a painful World Cup ticket miss despite an impressive qualification campaign.
The encounter with Nigeria may be just what they need to set the ball rolling even as they prepare to face Liberia in September’s Africa Cup of Nations qualification.