Nigeria’s bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup—scheduled to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico—came to a heartbreaking end on Sunday after a 4–3 penalty shootout loss to DR Congo in the African play-off final held in Rabat, Morocco
Both nations entered the clash seeking a place in the intercontinental play-off, having emerged as the best second-placed teams from the African qualification series.
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle made two changes from the victory over Gabon, replacing Akor Adams and Bright Osayi-Samuel with Semi Ajayi and Frank Onyeka. Onyeka joined Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi in midfield, while Ajayi’s introduction pushed standout performer Benjamin Fredrick to right-back.
Onyeka justified his manager’s decision almost immediately, putting Nigeria ahead in the third minute. Reacting quickest to a poor defensive clearance from a Zaidu Sanusi cross, he struck a deflected effort past goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi-Nzau.
Nigeria missed two half-chances to extend their lead, and DR Congo capitalised in the 32nd minute. Meschack Elia dispossessed the Nigerian midfield, raced forward after being played in by Cedric Bakambu, and finished smartly into the right corner to level the score.
The second half began with a surprise as Victor Osimhen was withdrawn—possibly due to injury—and replaced by Adams. Stanley Nwabali was called into action in the 54th minute, denying Bakambu at the near post as the striker attempted to whip a corner directly into the bottom right corner.
Chelle then introduced Moses Simon and Chidera Ejuke for Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze, but the substitutions failed to stem DR Congo’s growing threat. Nigeria struggled to create clear chances, and defensive nerves showed in the 83rd minute when Nwabali nearly conceded but recovered with a crucial block before the offside flag intervened.
Just three days after being pushed to extra time against Gabon, the Super Eagles again found themselves battling through an additional 30 minutes. DR Congo twice had the ball in the net during extra time, but both goals were disallowed—Fiston Mayele was penalised for fouling Nwabali in the 95th minute, and Noah Sadiki’s dangerous play on Bruno Onyemaechi nullified a 110th-minute effort.
The Leopards almost stole the win moments before the shootout, but Nwabali produced a strong save to keep out Chancel Mbemba’s dipping header.
In the shootout, Nigeria stumbled early as Calvin Bassey and Simon saw their opening kicks saved. Nwabali redeemed himself by pulling off two saves of his own, allowing Adams, Ejuke, and Onyemaechi to convert and keep their hopes alive at 3–3.
However, Timothy Fayulu saved Semi Ajayi’s sixth kick, and DR Congo captain Mbemba sealed the victory by blasting home their final attempt, ending Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the intercontinental play-off.
DR Congo now advance to the six-team play-off tournament alongside Bolivia (CONMEBOL) and New Caledonia (OFC). The tournament—featuring one team each from AFC and CAF, two from CONCACAF, and one from South America—will take place in Mexico in March 2026 to determine the final two World Cup qualifiers.
