Nigeria’s hopes to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup ended in heartbreak on Sunday after a tense 1-1 draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) culminated in a 4-3 defeat on penalties. Despite fielding a star-studded squad, the Super Eagles were edged out by the Leopards in the final qualifying playoff held in Rabat, Morocco.
Frank Onyeka gave Nigeria an early lead in the 3rd minute, but Meschack Elia leveled for DR Congo in the 32nd minute. Both teams created chances, with notable saves by Nigeria’s goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, including two penalty saves during the shootout. However, missed penalties from Nigeria’s Calvin Bassey, Moses Simon, and Semi Ajayi proved costly. DR Congo’s captain Chancel Mbemba converted the winning spot-kick.
Both teams had earlier secured their spots in the final playoff after Nigeria’s extra-time victory over Gabon and DR Congo’s narrow win over Cameroon. DR Congo now advance to the intercontinental playoffs scheduled for March 2026, bringing them closer to a World Cup berth—their first appearance since 1974. Unfortunately for Nigeria, this marks their second consecutive failure at the play-off stage and the first time since their 1994 debut that they have missed out on two straight World Cups.
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