Nigeria secured their place in the final of the CAF World Cup qualifiers playoff on Thursday after a commanding extra-time performance against Gabon, while DR Congo joined them in Sunday's final after overcoming Cameroon later in the day.

The two teams are set to lock horns in a competitive match for the first time ever, although there have been six previous friendly meetings down the years, with the Central African side winning three and losing two.

Their FIFA World Cup qualifiers journeys have been far from similar, and even though it is the Super Eagles that were considered the favourites in their group, it wasn't the case for DR Congo, but they did give eventual group winners Senegal a run for their money.

Nevertheless, the Super Eagles have enjoyed a massive turnaround since conceding that William Troost-Ekong's own goal in the first half of their stalemate with South Africa in round eight of the qualifiers.

They since followed it with back-to-back wins to nick second spot thanks to the removal of points earned against bottom teams, but their final group game, a 4-0 victory over Benin, proved they indeed deserved their spot in the playoffs.

For Congo, it was heartbreaking the fashion in which they lost the top spot in Group B to Senegal, but they can be proud of their run, and beating Cameroon to the final of the playoff is another highlight of their season.

How Nigeria & DR Congo are the worthy finalists 

Nigeria is home and dry in extra time vs. Gabon

Nigeria was made to work for what in the end turned out to be an easy win against a relentless Gabon, who ultimately succumbed to the heat in extra time.

The Super Eagles headed into the first semi-final of the playoffs as the clear favorite, but the Panthers of Gabon were not to be underestimated, especially due to their incredible form during the regular qualifiers.

Their quest to reach a first-ever World Cup finals was always going to be against the odds after they failed to top the Ivory Coast, who won their group by a point.

Goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba stood between destiny earlier on, but he was eventually undone by his defenders, one of whom carelessly gave the ball away for Akor Adams to hit the bullseye 12 minutes from time.

But more drama unfolded later in the game as Mario Lemina drew the Panthers level via the aid of a deflection one minute from the end of normal time, sending the game into extra time, which was sign off after Victor Osimhen missed a last-gasp sitter to win it in normal time.

But the Galatasaray striker made up for his misses in extra time, scoring in either half of it to add to Chidera Ejuke's first-ever goal for the Super Eagles, to seal a 4-1 win and the ticket to Sunday's final.

DR Congo upset Cameroon to reach the final

The second semi-final is a lesson for the future, for both the Super Eagles and DR Congo, as the latter defied the odds to beat Cameroon, whom they had only beaten once in 15 meetings since the start of the 21st century, losing nine.

However, an evenly contested clash appeared to be headed for extra time, until Chancel Mbemba fired home from a corner in the first minute of extra time to rewrite the narratives.

In the end, both Nigeria and DR Congo proved them have all it was needed to get the job done, and having gotten the better of their respective semi-final opponents, there can be no one more deserving than the two.

How Nigeria & DR Congo became the worthy finalists

Not many African nations boast a better head-to-head record against the Super Eagles of Nigeria, but that is an unusual bragging right for the Leopards of DR Congo, who have three wins in six, one draw.

Nevertheless, Sebastien Desabre and his minions will know more than anyone that these facts may not really influence the outcome of games, especially given their latest win over Cameroon.

Moreso, a lot has changed in the camp of both teams since their last meeting in May 2018, especially in manpower, with new faces now playing for both sides, each constantly looking to write history of their own.

For the Super Eagles, their destiny is not just in their own hands; it lies very strongly in their control. After beating Gabon and avoiding Cameroon, the next steps are considered to get easier as they come, especially in the continental playoff.

Beating DR Congo will make them one of the top two teams in the Six Nations tournament come March, which would leave them with one game, one win away from a FIFA World Cup ticket.

For a country that has never missed back-to-back FIFA World Cup finals, the players have chosen the longer route, and unless the goal is achieved, no victory is worthy, and no performance is iconic.

But while the Super Eagles continue to take the steps heading in the right direction, the support from the fans remains unwavering, and the players can tell this, on or off the pitch.

DR Congo's last FIFA World Cup appearance came before the 21st century, as Zaire, and the quest to reach the tournament again has not been easy. But at every try, they get closer.

After the late heartbreak during the group stages, Nigeria stands in their way between the continental finals, but they will consider the gap between the two teams minimal, especially for their own good, as they would not want to afford too much respect to their opponent.

While Nigeria prides itself on the form of its attackers, especially the ever-reliable Victor Osimhen, DR Congo is more dependent on collective effort. Defensively, the Leopards have kept clean sheets in each of their last three games.

The Super Eagles appear to be on a scoring spree, with eight in their last two games, which makes them a real test for DR Congo's defence that last conceded goals four matches ago, in a 3-2 home loss to Senegal.

Sunday's final promises to be an interesting matchup, but whatever antics either of these sides employs between now and the end of proceedings at the Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, he who comes out on top wins the day.

With the FIFA World Cup ticket still up for grabs, no room for consolatory words like winning hearts, but eventually, one of these teams will have to settle for this when the final whistle goes off.

Who will it be? I guess we'll have to wait to know.