The Africa Cup of Nations could serve up another high-stakes showdown between Nigeria and DR Congo, rekindling a rivalry that recently left Nigerian fans with bitter memories.
Nigeria will take on Mozambique national football team on Monday in Fez, while DR Congo face Algeria national football team on Tuesday in Rabat. Victories for both sides would set up a quarter-final showdown in Marrakech on January 10.
The fixture would echo their tense encounter last November in Rabat during the final CAF playoff for the World Cup. That clash ended 1–1 after extra time, forcing a penalty shootout in which DR Congo triumphed.
Nigeria, however, has not let the matter rest. The Nigerian Football Federation is contesting the eligibility of some DR Congo players from that playoff, a dispute that could add extra spice to any potential rematch.
With both teams carrying the weight of history and national pride, fans across Africa are bracing for what could be another dramatic chapter in this growing rivalry.
