Ahead of Monday’s international friendly match between 2018 World Cup-bound Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo in Port Harcourt, a CompleteSports analysis shows how both teams have fared against each other in their past meetings.
NIGERIA 3-2 CONGO KINSHASA (friendly, November 05, 1966)
The first time ever Nigeria met Democratic Republic of Congo was in a friendly game in 1966. DR Congo was known as Congo Kinshasa back then.
The game was took place in Lagos on November 5, 1966.
The Nigerian team emerged victorious following a 3-2 scoreline win.
CONGO KINSHASA 1-0 NIGERIA (friendly, November 26, 1966)
DR Congo and Nigeria met for the second time yet in another friendly game played in Kinshasa on November 26, 1966.
This time, DR Congo avenged the 3-2 loss in the first meeting as they pipped Nigeria 1-0.
CONGO KINSHASA 1-0 NIGERIA (friendly, December 27, 1966)
Nigeria were guests to DR Congo in Kinshasa for another friendly which took place on December 27, 1966.
For the second straight time, DR Congo triumphed 1-0 to claim a second win on their Nigerian counterparts.
NIGERIA 4-2 ZAIRE (1976 AFCON, Group B, First Round)
The 1976 Africa Cup of Nations in Ethiopia was the first time Nigeria and DR Congo would meet in a competitive game.
By this time, DR Congo who were initially known as Congo Kinshasa, were now called Zaire.
Going into the 1976 AFCON, DR Congo were the reigning African champions following their win at the 1974 edition.
But it was Nigeria who emerged winners with a 4-2 win in Group B, first round of the tournament.
Baba Ogu Mohammed (brace), Samuel Ojebode and Thompson Usiyen were the scorers for Nigeria.
Nigeria progressed into the final round of the 1976 AFCON and claimed the bronze medal.
NIGERIA 1-0 ZAIRE (1992 AFCON Quarter-finals)
Nigeria and DR Congo had to wait until the quarter-finals of the 1992 AFCON before their paths crossed again.
It was Nigeria who came out tops thanks to a 22nd minute goal from the late Rashidi Yekini.
Following a 2-1 semi-final loss to Ghana, Nigeria beat Cameroon 2-1 to finish third at the 1992 AFCON.
NIGERIA 2-0 Zaire (1994 AFCON Quarter-finals)
Rashidi Yekini was the hero again for Nigeria when they met DR Congo again in the quarter-finals this time at the 1994 AFCON.
After a goalless first half, Yekini scored two goals on 51 and 71 (penalty) minutes to seal Nigeria’s place into the semi-finals.
Nigeria went on to win the 1994 AFCON after beating Zambia 2-1 in the final.
NIGERIA 5-2 DR Congo (friendly, Mar. 03, 2010)
From Zaire, the central African country were now known as DR Congo and were guests to Nigeria in a friendly game in Abuja on March 3, 2010.
Nigeria recorded their biggest ever scoreline against DR Congo as they ran out 5-2 winners.
Peter Utaka, Osas Idehen (brace) Victor Obinna and Chinedu Ezimorah were the scorers for Nigeria.
Mbenza Bedi got both DR Congo’s goals in the defeat.
DR CONGO 2-0 NIGERIA (friendly, 2015)
The last time Nigeria and DR Congo squared off was in yet another friendly held in Belgium.
And for the first time since 1966, DR Congo recorded a win against Nigeria.
Dieumerci Mbokani and Jordan Nkololo both scored for DR Congo.
The Super Eagles were under the guidance of former international Sunday Oliseh.
