Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup ended on Sunday after a dramatic 3–4 loss on penalties to the Democratic Republic of Congo, despite fielding a star-studded squad in a tense 1–1 draw.
Both teams had reached the final of the African play-off series after dramatic semi-final victories in Morocco. Nigeria booked their place by defeating Gabon 4–1 after extra time on Thursday at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, while DR Congo edged Cameroon 1–0 at the Al Barid Stadium.
Frank Onyeka gave Nigeria a perfect start, scoring in the 3rd minute, before Mechak Elia levelled for DR Congo in the 32nd minute. Both sides created several scoring opportunities, with Tolu Arokodare going close for Nigeria and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali making a vital save from a Leopards free-kick.
Also Read:Â Nigeria Names 24-Man Squad for 2026 World Cup African Play-Off
Calvin Bassey and Moses Simon both missed early chances, while Nwabali produced two brilliant saves during the penalty shootout. However, his effort could not compensate for Nigeria’s missed spot-kicks by Bassey, Simon, and Semi Ajayi.
Chancel Mbemba stepped up to score the decisive penalty for DR Congo, sending the Leopards into the intercontinental play-offs for the World Cup.
Nigeria and DR Congo had advanced to this stage after finishing second in their respective qualifying groups, with the semi-finals and final hosted in Morocco.
The victory sends the Central African nation into the final intercontinental qualifier scheduled for March next year.
For Nigeria, the defeat marks their second straight failure at the play-off stage, following their loss to Ghana on away goals in the final qualifying round for Qatar 2022. It is the first time the Super Eagles have failed to qualify for two consecutive World Cups since making their debut in 1994.
