- Nigeria will miss the 2026 World Cup after losing to DR Congo on penalties in Rabat.
- Super Eagles took an early lead but DR Congo equalised before dominating large spells.
- Extra time ended 1-1, and Nigeria fell 3-4 in the shootout despite Nwabali’s two saves.
- Defeat means the Super Eagles must now shift focus to the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.
The Super Eagles will not be part of the 2026 World Cup after falling to DR Congo in a tense and emotional African play-offs final decided by penalties. The match, played in Rabat, Morocco, ended 1-1 after 120 gruelling minutes before the Leopards held their nerve from the spot to deny Nigeria a place in the intercontinental play-off.
Nigeria had a dream start. Just three minutes into the game, Frank Onyeka pounced on a loose ball outside the box and fired home to put the Super Eagles ahead. The early goal lifted the team’s confidence, and they came close to doubling the lead but failed to take their chances.
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As the minutes passed, DR Congo settled into rhythm and began controlling the midfield. Their pressure paid off in the 32nd minute when Mechak Elia broke through to level the match, shifting momentum in favour of the Central Africans.
A major shock came at halftime when Victor Osimhen did not return for the second half. Akor Adams, fresh from a strong run of form, stepped in, and later Tolu Arokodare, Chidera Ejuke, and Moses Simon were introduced. Yet none of the changes swung the game back Nigeria’s way. DR Congo dictated most of the play, forcing Nigeria to defend deep and rely on quick breaks.
Extra time brought even more tension. DR Congo thought they had secured a winner, but their goal was ruled out for a foul on goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. The Chippa United shot-stopper later made a huge save in stoppage time of extra time to keep Nigeria alive.
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When it came down to penalties, Nwabali produced two brilliant saves. But as the shootout stretched into sudden death, Semi Ajayi’s effort was stopped, and Chancel Mbemba calmly converted the final kick to send DR Congo into the intercontinental play-offs.
It was a cruel end for Nigeria, who had thrashed Gabon 4-1 to reach this decisive stage. DR Congo, who eliminated Cameroon earlier, completed a remarkable qualifying run.
With the World Cup dream over, the Super Eagles must now focus on the 2025 AFCON scheduled for Morocco next month, hoping to regain momentum after this painful defeat.
