Nigeria’s push for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup came to a painful halt on Sunday after DR Congo edged the Super Eagles in a tense penalty shootout at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
The result ended Nigeria’s qualification hopes for the second straight year, compounding the disappointment for fans hoping to see the team return to football’s biggest stage.
The encounter finished 1–1 after 120 minutes of action. Nigeria made a bright start with Frank Onyeka finding the net in the third minute, but DR Congo hit back in the 32nd minute through M. Elia, restoring parity before halftime.
Extra time produced nervy moments for both sides. Tolu Arokodare missed a promising header that could have put Nigeria ahead, while goalkeeper Nwabali pulled off a vital save to stop a dangerous DR Congo free kick. Despite the opportunities, neither team could find the winner.
The drama escalated in the penalty shootout. Nigeria’s Calvin Bassey and Moses Simon were unable to convert their spot-kicks, though Nwabali kept hope alive by saving DR Congo’s first effort. Akor Adams later scored to keep Nigeria briefly in contention, but DR Congo responded through Sadique before netting the decisive fourth penalty to seal a 4–3 victory.
The win sends DR Congo into the intercontinental playoff, where they will compete for one of the final slots in the expanded 48-team World Cup scheduled to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
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Sunday’s loss mirrors Nigeria’s recent struggles, as the Super Eagles also failed to reach the previous World Cup cycle. Their journey to the final had included a thrilling 4–1 extra-time victory over Gabon in Thursday’s semi-final at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium.
DR Congo’s path was equally intense, securing a 1–0 win over Cameroon at the Al Barid Stadium to book their place.
With the Leopards now awaiting their playoff opponent, Nigeria’s campaign ends in heartbreak, leaving the nation to regroup and look ahead to future qualifying opportunities.