Nigeria’s dream of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has ended after the Super Eagles were beaten by the DR Congo national team in a dramatic penalty shootout on Sunday.
The tightly contested African play-offs final, played in Rabat, Morocco, finished 1–1 after regulation and extra time.
Nigeria started brightly, taking the lead in the 3rd minute through Frank Onyeka, who struck early to put the Eagles ahead.
Despite pushing for a second goal, Nigeria failed to convert their chances, allowing DR Congo to grow into the game.
The Leopards equalised in the 32nd minute through Mechak Elia, restoring parity before halftime.
A major talking point emerged when Victor Osimhen did not return for the second half.
His replacement, Akor Adams of Sevilla, along with later substitutes Tolu Arokodare, Chidera Ejuke, and Simon Moses, could not turn the tide as DR Congo continued to dominate stretches of the match.
Nigeria held on through extra time, surviving a disallowed Congolese goal due to a foul on goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who also produced a crucial late save to push the match to penalties.
In the shootout, Nwabali saved two spot-kicks, but the contest went into sudden death.
Semi Ajayi’s penalty was saved, paving the way for Chancel Mbemba to score the decisive kick, giving DR Congo a 4–3 victory and sealing their place in the intercontinental play-offs scheduled for March 2026.
Nigeria had earlier beaten Gabon 4–1 to reach this final stage, while DR Congo advanced after edging Cameroon.
With World Cup qualification now out of reach, the Super Eagles will shift focus to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations holding in Morocco next month.
