The Super Eagles’ bid for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup came to a painful end on Sunday, as DR Congo booked their spot in the intercontinental playoff with a dramatic penalty shootout victory at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Nigeria’s qualification hopes collapsed in heartbreaking fashion, marking the second straight World Cup they will miss.
The tense encounter finished 1–1 after 120 minutes of regulation and extra time, forcing the match into a decisive shootout.
Nigeria struck early through Frank Onyeka, who opened the scoring in the third minute, but DR Congo drew level in the 32nd minute thanks to M. Elia’s well-taken effort.
Extra time produced chances for both sides. Tolu Arokodare came close for Nigeria but failed to convert a free header, while Stanley Nwabali kept the Super Eagles alive with a vital save from a DR Congo free kick. Despite the late pressure, neither team could find a breakthrough.
The tension carried into the penalty shootout.
Calvin Bassey and Moses Simon missed Nigeria’s early attempts, while Nwabali gave the Super Eagles hope by saving DR Congo’s opening kick.
Akor Adams briefly kept Nigeria in contention with a composed finish from the spot, but DR Congo responded through Sadique before converting their decisive fourth penalty, pulling ahead 4–3 and sealing the shootout victory.
The win propels DR Congo into the intercontinental playoff, giving them a shot at claiming one of the final berths for the expanded 48-team 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
For Nigeria, the defeat confirms a second consecutive absence from the global stage, extending the Super Eagles’ World Cup heartbreak.
Both sides had earned their spots in the final after equally dramatic semi-final performances.
Nigeria secured their place with a commanding 4–1 extra-time victory over Gabon on Thursday at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium, while DR Congo edged Cameroon 1–0 at the Al Barid Stadium later that evening.
The Leopards now look ahead to the intercontinental playoff, where they will fight for a place at the 2026 World Cup. For the Super Eagles, however, the campaign ends in agonising fashion in Rabat, bringing their World Cup hopes to another painful halt.
