Victor Osimhen’s extra-time brace propelled the Super Eagles to a 4-1 victory over Gabon in a thrilling semi-final at Rabat’s Moulay Hassan Stadium.
Now, Eric Chelle’s side must navigate past Sebastien Desabre’s Leopards, who stunned Cameroon, if they are to claim Africa’s sole spot in the inter-confederation playoff where six teams will battle for two places at the 2026 finals in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Ahead of the decider, the Premier League midfielder highlights the chances of the three-time African champions against a strong Congolese side seeking a return to the global stage after a 51-year absence.
"The players are ready; the players are focused. We will give everything," Onyeka told Flashscore.com.
"We know how important this game is, so we'll go all in and by God's grace, we'll come out with a victory and Nigerians will be happy.
"No nation wants to take this path, but here we are. It’s a tough route, yet our focus must be on emerging as Africa’s number one and securing a spot at the FIFA World Cup. It won’t be easy, but we have to give everything."
Chancel Mbemba was the hero for DR Congo as he snuck in at the back post to score a dramatic last-gasp winner for his team as they edged favourites Indomitable Lions by a lone goal.
Onyeka acknowledges the quality of the Central African squad but remains unfazed by their threat, insisting the Super Eagles will stick to their game plan to secure progression.
"DR Congo are a good side as well as Cameroon too but it was the Congolese that scaled through," he continued.
"There are no easy teams in African football, we just need to focus on ourselves and on Congo. We must be at our best so we can come out with a good result."
DR Congo and Nigeria have faced each other six times, with the Leopards leading the head-to-head record with three wins to Nigeria’s two, while one match ended in a draw. This will be their first competitive meeting, as the sides last met in a 1-1 friendly in 2018.
Onyeka speaks highly of coach Eric Chelle
The former Midtjylland and Augsburg star also praises Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle for his impact since taking charge in January, following Finidi George’s resignation less than two months into the role.
For context, the former Mali international is still unbeaten after 10 matches, starting with Nigeria’s 2-0 World Cup qualifier win over Rwanda in Kigali back in March.
Onyeka added: "For me, personally, maybe I'm speaking for other players, I think we like him a lot.
"We do what he asks us to do and I think everything is working perfectly well. For him, not losing any game is great.
"He is here to win games, not to lose games. So, we're doing everything we can also to help him and to make sure that we come out with victories every time we play."
Chelle earned five caps for the Mali senior national team between 2004 and 2006. The 48-year-old, who also holds French nationality, spent his entire playing career in France, featuring for clubs including Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais before retiring in 2014.
Immediately after his pro career, Chelle moved into management, taking the reins at GS Consolat, FC Martigues, and Boulogne.
In 2022, he was appointed head coach of the Mali senior national team following Mohamed Magassouba's dismissal. Under his leadership, the Eagles secured qualification for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
