Victor Osimhen is confirmed to start once again after scoring in the previous round. As Nigeria’s best player and the leader of the attack, he remains determined to reach the World Cup and fulfill one of the biggest dreams of his career.

DR Congo stunned Cameroon with a late winner in their semifinal, and given that they have won three of the six previous meetings against Nigeria since 1966, they may feel confident about producing another upset on the big stage.

The winner of Sunday’s final will advance to the intercontinental playoff in March, where teams from different regions will battle for two remaining spots in the 2026 World Cup group stage.

Nigeria confirmed lineup vs DR Congo

Head coach Finidi George is confirmed to make to changes to the same starting XI from the semifinal because fatigue forces adjustments after the match went to extra time. Samuel Chukwueze and Ademola Lookman were both substituted before the end of regulation, so they should be fully rested for this decisive encounter.

Nigeria’s confirmed starting lineup features a 4-5-1 setup: Stanley Nwabali (GK); Benjamin Fredrick, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Zaidu Sanusi; Samuel Chukwueze, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Ademola Lookman; Victor Osimhen as the lone striker.

DR Congo confirmed lineup vs Nigeria

DR Congo remain without injured star forward Yoane Wissa, who recently joined Newcastle United from Brentford. Aside from his absence, head coach Sebastien Desabre is expected to have his full squad available for selection.

Real Betis striker Cedric Bakambu should lead the attack, while Premier League followers will recognize two key defensive figures: West Ham fullback Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Burnley center-back Axel Tuanzebe.

DR Congo’s confirmed starting lineup: Lionel M’Pasi; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba, Arthur Masuaku; Charles Ngal Mukau, Samuel Moutoussamy, Noah Sadiki, Jonathan Bolingi Elia, Arnaud Mbuku; with Cedric Bakambu leading the attack.

After extensive deliberation and considering various options, Paris Saint-Germain has identified a prime candidate to fill Mbappe’s shoes. They have set their sights on Napoli’s prolific Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, PSG have Osimhen’s green light to move and are already working in progress on contract details. While negotiation details are still under wraps, Osimhen, who is under contract until 2026 and holds a market value of €100 million, will likely command a significant investment from the Parisian club.

Victor Osimhen, a key player for Napoli

Since his move from Lille to Napoli, Osimhen has been a standout performer, scoring 76 goals and providing 18 assists in 133 appearances. His remarkable contribution was pivotal in leading Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years during the 2022/23 season, where he also emerged as the league’s top scorer with 26 goals.

Napoli aims to finalize Osimhen’s sale within the next week, as new manager Antonio Conte is eager to work with his primary center-forward choice as soon as possible. The Italian club has earmarked Romelu Lukaku as Osimhen’s successor and has already reached an agreement in principle with both the Belgian striker and Chelsea for a transfer worth around €30 million.

Earlier this week, Jugeli told a media outlet in Georgia that Osimhen will likely play in Saudi Arabia “next summer,” despite the contract extension the striker signed with Napoli in December through 2026.

“Kvicha would not accept a similar transfer, not even for a billion,” Jugeli said, claiming his client wouldn’t play in the Middle East regardless of the money he’s offered. “For example, he would prefer to play for Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Barcelona or maybe Manchester City. Kvaratskhelia has different objectives and preferences.”

Osimhen was not happy with those comments, which is why he didn’t hold back on an Instagram story. “Dear Mamuka Jugeli, you are a piece of filth and a disgrace. I’m embarrassed at your sense of reasoning. Dumb f*ck! KEEP MY NAME OUT OF YOUR MOUTH!,“ he wrote.

Osimhen’s agent reacts to Jugeli’s comments

Shortly after Osimhen’s reaction on social media, his agent Roberto Calenda released a statement in regard to the comments made by Kvaratskhelia’s agent about the striker, calling Jugeli’s words “bad, superficial, and unnaceptable.”

“These words create problems for my player Victor Osimhen with Napoli fans without any reason or real of the reality,” the statement read, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano.

“Everyone must look into their own home and have respect for the work of others. It is not correct to talk about the future of other players. This creates misunderstandings and problems as well as unfortunate predictions. We have just signed a contract renewal and Victor’s only wish, in addition to the Africa Cup of Nations, is to help Napoli. Everything else is rubbish”.

Osimhen is currently with the Nigeria national team ahead of the AFCON debut against Equatorial Guinea on Sunday. The 25-year-old boasts eight goals in 18 games for Napoli this season, but the club is struggling in the Italian league.

Napoli’s title defense not going well

As we’ve said before, the departure of the title-winning coach took a toll on Napoli’s form. Following a poor start to the season, Rudi Garcia was removed from the coaching duties in November. Walter Mazzarri has been in charge since then but the Gli Azzurri still have plenty of work to do.

With four losses in the last six games and three matches without victory, Napoli are currently ninth in the Serie A standings with 28 points, 20 shy of leaders Inter Milan.

Despite the saga that was a controversial post on social media, Victor Osimhen is looking ahead to more goals and more moments with Napoli, after helping the club win the Serie A title last season. Their third league title in club history.

Now speaking with Sky Sports, Victor Osimhen opened up in regard to his future at Napoli and the near $150 million offer a Saudi club sent Napoli’s way which he turned down.

Victor Osimhen on Saudi Pro League offer

Victor Osimhen stated, “I have to be honest, I never thought of it at first… When the Saudi Arabia offer came, it was tempting, a bit huge to refuse. I had about three meetings with the club and society. I spoke to the manager, and he shared his plans, which I keyed into, and then I made up my mind to stick with the team.”

Osimhen has been with Napoli since 2020 and has 65 goals in 111 appearances for the club. Osimhen has interest from teams in Spain and the Premier League, but he has a contract with the club until June of 2025.

Future at Napoli

“It didn’t happen overnight. We already spoke about my future at the end of last season, but you never know what the future holds, and we’ll see,” Osimhen stated.

With one more season on his contract after this year, Osimhen will be one of the hottest transfer targets come the summer, unless he resigns with Napoli.

Victor Osimhen is widely regarded as one of the top strikers in the world today. The Nigerian has enjoyed significant success with Napoli, but off-the-field problems have recently stressed the relationship between both parties.

On social media, particularly on TikTok, Napoli’s official account posted two videos that mocked Osimhen. The striker strongly disapproved of these posts and even threatened to take legal action against his own team.

Victor Osimhen releases heartfelt statement towards Napoli and their fans

Controversy has arisen around Napoli recently. The team’s star striker, Victor Osimhen, expressed his dissatisfaction with the club’s social media after they published two videos that mocked him. While it may not have been the intention to harm him, the Nigerian forward felt hurt by the content.

“On social media, and TikTok particularly, expressive language is used in a light-hearted and playful manner,” the club said through an official statement. “In this case involving Victor there was no intention of mockery or derision.”

Despite Osimhen’s initial threat of legal action against the team, it appears that their relationship is resilient enough to overcome these issues. The striker has now released a statement, demonstrating his commitment to Napoli despite the recent situation.

“The accusations against People of Naples are untrue,” Osimhen said. “I have a lot of friends that are Napolitans and have become part of my family and everyday life. I appreciate Nigerians and everyone for leading their voices to support and reach out to me

“I’m forever grateful. Let’s support unity, respect and understanding. FORZA NAPOLI SEMPRE.”

Osimhen came off the bench in Napoli’s 4-0 victory over Lecce yesterday. The Nigerian scored the second goal of the game at the 51st minute.

How much did Napoli pay for Victor Osimhen?

In 2020, Napoli signed Victor Osimhen, paying $70 million for the talented forward.

There’s a lot of turmoil around Osimneh as, last Sunday, the star player confronted coach Rudi Garcia for substituting him with just a few minutes remaining and the score tied following his penalty miss.

Now, after Napoli produced outrage worldwide for their attacks on Victor Osimhen through social media, there’s a new official statement by the club regarding the situation.

Napoli finally answer Victor Osimhen after TikTok scandal

Napoli clarified on Thursday that they had no intention to offend Victor Osimhen with the video posted on TikTok and remembered that he’s a valuable player for the club shutting down the rumors which also pointed at a possible transfer.

“Napoli Football Club, in order to avoid any possible misinterpretation on the matter, wants to clarify that it has never intended to offend or mock Victor Osimhen, who is a valuable asset for the club. As evidence of this, during the summer training camp, the Club firmly rejected every offer received for the player’s transfer abroad.”

In the official statement, Napoli tried to justify the behavior of their social media team after posting the video mocking Victor Osimhen. However, they didn’t mention any actions to punish them for the incident.

“It represents a common experience that on social media, especially on TikTok, expressive language has always been created with lightness and creativity, without any intention of mockery or ridicule, as in the case involving Osimhen. However, if Victor had perceived any offense towards him, it was completely unrelated to any intention of the club.”

Osimhen’s agent Roberto Calenda issued a statement and made it aware that Osimhen was considering legal action, “What happened today [Tuesday] on Napoli’s official profile on the TikTok platform is not acceptable… A video mocking Victor was first made public and then, but now belatedly, deleted. A serious fact that causes very serious damage to the player and adds to the treatment that the boy is suffering in the last period between media trials and fake news. We reserve the right to take legal action and any useful initiative to protect Victor.”

All of this comes amid, what was then frustrating, contract extension talks between Napoli and Victor Osimhen, the striker’s contract ends in 2025 and he has had offers from Saudi Arabia and is being monitored by Chelsea. To add more tension to the situation a video surfaced of Victor Osimhen arriving at Napoli training and not shaking hands with his teammates who were sitting on the steps of the entrance of the training ground.

Victor Osimhen erases Napoli content from Instagram

Victor Osimhen’s anger was so much that the Nigerian had deleted all but three recent posts of him wearing the Napoli jersey, with many pundits seeing it as a sign that the striker wants out of the Italian club.

Italian journalist Marika Fruscio took to Instagram to vent her frustrations with the striker by posting, “You are a champion, but humility is needed. What is the point of deleting the photos of the team that has venerated and always supported you.

“What does it mean to rage like this?? Even legal action for an ironic video? An intelligent man would have laughed about it. BE A PROFESSIONAL. HEAD LOW AND WORK. However, it’s our fault that we make these players almost deities…JUST THE JERSEY, JUST THE JERSEY.”

Fruscio also pointed out that the video posted by Napoli was just for “fun” and saw no issue with the player taking offense.

In addition, after his two-goal performance against the Turin-based side, Osimhen extended hisstreak to 12 goals in 11games in all competitions. Meanwhile, with just 11 games remaining, the Partenopeihaveopened up a commanding 19-point lead at the top of the league and seemcertain to win the league for the first time since 1990.

Under Luciano Spalletti as his coach, the Nigeria international has made tremendous progress. Napoli expecta slew of bids for the 24-year-old at the conclusion of the season following his stellar performance, and the club has reportedly preparedby setting an astronomicalprice tag on the prolific ace.

Victor Osimhen drops possible Barcelona transfer hint on Instagram

The Italian powerhousehaveno obligation to sell one of their greatest assets,alongside Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, since the player is under contract until 2025. In addition, the clubpresident Aurelio De Laurentiis hasreportedly said that he would not negotiate with any team that does not meet the asking price of €170 million,as reported by the Italian dailyIl Mattino.

Several teams have shown interest in signing him before the summer transfer market opens, and Manchester United stands out as one of the teams most likely to make him their next star striker.While Erik ten Hag presently prefers Harry Kane,Manchester Evening Newshave recently claimedthat the Red Devils haveidentified Osimhen as a target and are intrigued by the possibility of bringing him to Old Trafford.

Moreover, Newcastle reportedly offered €100 million for Osimhen a year and a half ago, but Napoli turned down the offer. Despite earlier stating that playing in the Premier League is his lifelong desire, the talented strikerhas been spotted ‘flirting’ with Barcelona on social media,After the Blaugrana’striumph over Real Madrid in La Liga’s El Clasico, Osimhen took to Instagram to comment“bro”accompanied with a fire emoji on Franck Kessie‘s Instagram photo.

Napoli are the current leaders of Serie A with a good point difference over their immediate rivals, Inter, no less than 15 points. A lot of this has to do with the fact that they have some very talented players, especially the current goalscorer in the competition, Osimhen.

The Nigerian is only 23 years old but shows the level and maturity of an older player. He has been key to this great moment for Napoli, and without a doubt the eyes of the main clubs in Europe are settling on the young African talent.

Osimhen’s salary

Osimhen is under contract with Napoli until June 30, 2025. Annually, the Nigerian player earns £4,836,000, which means £403,000 per month, £93,000, £13,286 per day and £554 per hour.

The Super Eagles have been to six of the last eight World Cups since 1990. They have generally gotten to the Round of 16, with the 1994 World Cup being considered by many to have been their best performance. In 2018 they did not qualify for the second round and this has led to adjustments to the program.

Currently, the Super Eagles are ranked 32 in the FIFA Rankings, and with these 20 players, Nigeria will hope that they will continue to develop and finally be able to make a deep run in a World Cup.

20. Sebastian Osigwe

Sebastian Osigwe is hoping to become the Super Eagles number 1 in goal. Goalkeeping has always been an issue for African teams, Osigwe is Swiss-born and is playing at FC Lugano in the Swiss league.

At 26, he is the closest competition to take the starting spot from Daniel Akpeyi. A known shot-stopper, he has kept many clean sheets at the club level and could be that jump in quality that Nigerian fans are hoping for.

19. Ola Aina

The Fulham defender has established a healthy career for himself, the one time Chelsea product represented England at the youth level before choosing the Super Eagles in his one time switch.

At the club level, Ainahas played in England and Italy’s top flights. His experience will make him one of the leaders going forward at the back for the Super Eagles. He missed out on the 2018 World Cup squad but since then he has played a big role for the national team.

18. Samson Tijani

The young up and coming Samson Tijani has been plying his trade on loan in the Austrian Bundesliga for Hartberg. He is officially on the books for Red Bull Salzburg and made his competitive debut on August 30th against Dornbirner in the Austrian Cup.

At 18 and in a system that has improved players like Erling Haaland, Nigerian soccer fans should feel at ease that Tijani is in the right place to move his development forward. Getting first-team minutes is key and he is doing just that with Hartberg.

17. William Troost-Ekong

The experienced defender has been a fixture on the national team since 2015. After a stint in Serie A he is now at Watford, but it was his time at Udinese where he really came into his own and established himself. While the club was up and down the defender was a consistent starter.

At the international level, he had the chance to represent the Netherlands, where he played in various youth national teams, but he choose to play for the Super Eagles and in 2019 he stated that it was the “best decision ever”. A leader at the back he is the most capped Nigerian defender at the moment.

16. Ramon Azeez

One of the more experienced midfielders in the Nigerian national team pool, Ramon Azeez was recalled to the national team after five years. He plays for La Liga team Granada, where he has established himself.

Azeez has only played 6 times for the Super Eagles but he could be a good utility man going forward, he has World Cup experience and is playing at the highest level in La Liga. He may still have something to offer.

15. Maduka Okoye

Having competition in goal is healthy for any national team, and Nigeria is no exception. Maduka Okoye is young but he already has gained experience playing regularly for Fortuna Düsseldorf’s reserve side.

Now at Sparta Rotterdam in the Netherlands, he will look to get first-team minutes and build on his young career. At the international level, he has already earned 3 caps for the Super Eagles.

14. Samuel Kalu

The speedy winger, Samuel Kalu wears the number 10 jersey for Girondins Bordeaux in France. After a healthy spell in Gent where he scored 10 goals in 48 games, he moved to France on a five-year deal.

Dynamic and creative Kalu has very good European experience and has already scored 2 goals in 13 appearances for the Super Eagles. This could be his breakout year where he works his way back to the national team.

13. Zaidu Sanusi

The lanky left-back is fresh off of a major move to Portuguese powerhouse F.C. Porto. After building up his career in various teams in Portugal the 23-year-old has already played with Porto this season.

Sanusi has been capped twice by Nigeria and will look to continue his ascension on the National team. Getting first-team minutes at a club like Porto will be vital for Sanusi as he will look to find his place regularly on the starting 11 at both club and country.

12. Peter Etebo

Etebo has bounced around a bit after losing his position at Stoke City, but he can still be a decisive midfielder for the Super Eagles if he finds his footing at Galatasaray in Turkey.

At the international level, he is one of the team’s more experienced players. He played in all three of Nigeria’s World Cup games in 2018 and he was apart of the Bronze medal side at the 2016 Summer Olympics.

11. Emmanuel Dennis

The young forward is getting huge Champions League minutes with Club Brugge. He has scored 17 goals in 71 appearances for the Belgian side. He scored two goals against Real Madrid in last year’s Champions League Group stage.

In 2019, Dennis made his senior national team debut and at the moment has made 2 appearances with the Super Eagles. He will be a go-to forward as his career progresses.

10. Moses Simon

Simon is looking to get back on the national team radar after not being called up to the squad for the recent round of international fixtures. The forward has good skill but has yet to impress, he recently moved to Nantes in France where he had a very successful loan spell.

With Nigeria, he has 5 goals in 33 caps, if Simon can find a consistent scoring touch he could be very helpful for Nigeria down the road. His last goal for the National team came in March 2019. The talent is there, all he needs to do is keep it consistent.

9. Taiwo Awoniyi

At 23 Awoniyi has already had a journey man’s career, he has gone on loan to various clubs although he is officially tied to Liverpool. Many have compared him to Rashidi Yekini, Nigeria’s all-time top scorer.

He is tall and can be effective in the air and when receiving crosses, he has represented Nigeria in all of their youth teams and has yet to earn his first cap. He has the skills and the talent but he needs to find a home and consistency.

8. Umar Sadiq

The young forward who plays for Almeria has found a home in Spain where he has already scored 1 goal in his first 5 appearances. He had a very good run at Serbian giants, Partizan.

A tall forward who is good in the air this could be his breakout year and a year where he works his way to the national team. In total, he has 28 goals in 85 league games.

7. Joe Aribo

The 24-year-old has made a good splash for the Super Eagles scoring 2 goals in 4 caps. The Rangers midfielder has been a steady contributor since his arrival in 2019.

A good box to box midfielder he has a nose for goal, scoring against none other than Brazil in an international friendly in October of 2019.

6. Wilfred Ndidi

The Leicester City defensive midfielder has firmly established himself in the EPL with well over 100 appearances for the Foxes. He is best known for his tough defensive play and long-range strikes to goal.

At the national team level, he has played over 30 times for the Super Eagles and could be a huge piece for the Super Eagles in their run-up to the 2022 World Cup.

5. Henry Onyekuru

Henry Onyekuru is a tough winger and has started to earn playing time at Monaco. While at Galatasary, he won both the Turkish Super League title and Turkish Cup.

At the international level, he has earned 12 caps for the Super Eagles and scored 2 goals. He could be a very important player in the future for the national team at 23.

4. Samuel Chukwueze

The young Villarreal midfielder has been in Spain since 2018 moving up from the youth team to the senior squad. With well over 71 appearances in La Liga, Chukwueze is gaining good experience for his young age.

He has earned 15 caps with the Super Eagles and he has earned comparisons with Arjen Robben. He will look to build on his already impressive reputation during the next round of international call ups.

3. Victor Osimhen

The Napoli youngster has already cracked the starting 11 for the Serie A side. After coming on to the scene at Wolfsburg, Osimhen is now at Napoli having scored 2 goals in 6 games.

Osimhen has a lethal record for Nigeria he has 4 goals in 9 caps for the Super Eagles, and without a doubt is one of the country’s top prospects.

2. Alex Iwobi

Alex Iwobi has been a solid player for the Super Eagles, having spent his whole career in the EPL, playing 100 games for Arsenal and now at Everton. Iwobi played with the English youth national team before choosing to play for Nigeria.

With the Super Eagles, he has 7 goals in 42 caps, with two goals against Argentina in a friendly in 2017. Iwobi will be one of the nation’s key players to take Nigeria to the next step at a World Cup.

1. Kelechi Iheanacho

One of Nigeria’s best players Kelechi Iheanacho has already made a name for himself after jumping onto the scene with Manchester City in 2015. Now with Leicester City where he has 9 goals in 74 games for the Foxes.

With the Super Eagles, he has earned 27 caps and scored 9 goals, he did not make the final 23 man roster for the 2018 World Cup, but he will look to be a key figure in the lead up to the 2022 tournament.