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Congo DR Coach Desabre Vows to Replicate Heroics Against Nigeria Ahead of World Cup Qualifier

Published by Samuel Ayomide on March 16th, 2026.

The Congo DR is gearing up for a pivotal World Cup qualifying clash, with head coach Sebastien Desabre urging his players to replicate their standout performance against Nigeria.

Desabre, who has led the team for over three years, praised the journey his squad has undertaken to reach this stage. In a statement obtained from FIFA on Monday, he reflected on the team’s resilience and preparation: “This final will be our 13th match since our qualifying campaign began. It’s been a long road, but every stage has shaped us. The highs and lows, the challenges – they’ve made our squad stronger and more focused.”

Highlighting the squad’s balance, Desabre noted, “Our defensive solidity underpins the team, but our attack has been equally sharp. Many of our players compete at top clubs internationally, and the commitment everyone has shown to this project is remarkable.”

Looking ahead, the coach stressed confidence and strategic preparation for their next opponents. “We’re not intimidated. At a minimum, we aim to replicate the performance we delivered against Nigeria, which ended 1-1 after extra time and saw us triumph 4-3 on penalties. We’ve also studied Jamaica and New Caledonia ahead of their match in Mexico on 26 March, but our primary focus remains on our own squad,” Desabre said, according to The Guardian Nigeria.

The coach also reminded players to stay composed under pressure. “We all dream of going to the World Cup, but we cannot allow the occasion to overwhelm us. Playing well, staying grounded, and giving everything on the pitch is what will make Congo proud,” he added.

Desabre concluded by acknowledging the importance of fan support, noting the national passion for football: “The Congolese people live and breathe football. We know the nation will pause on 31 March to watch the match, and we hope to give them a performance that lifts their spirits,” he said.

According to reports by The Punch, Congo DR’s disciplined approach in qualifiers has already drawn attention in African football circles, making their upcoming fixture one of the most anticipated matches in the campaign.