There was no cheering, no fanfare — just a grim, suffocating quiet across Nigeria. Unlike the roar of celebration after their 4–1 win over Gabon just a week earlier, the country was eerily muted. Many people didn’t even realize a decisive match had taken place.
The Super Eagles’ hopes of playing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup ended in heartbreak. In the CAF playoff final in Rabat, they drew 1–1 with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) after extra time — but lost 4–3 in the ensuing penalty shootout.
How It Unfolded
Nigeria drew first blood in just the third minute. Frank Onyeka fired in a long-range shot that deflected off a defender and beat the Congolese goalkeeper.
But DR Congo hit back in the 32nd minute, when Mechak Elia capitalized on a lapse in Nigeria’s midfield (a dispossession by Wilfred Ndidi) to slot home.
In the second half and extra time, DR Congo increasingly controlled the game, creating the more dangerous chances.
The match went to penalties, where tension peaked. Nigeria’s Calvin Bassey and Moses Simon both missed their kicks, and Semi Ajayi failed to convert in the sudden death round.
For DR Congo, substitute goalkeeper Timothy Fayulu made two crucial saves, keeping his side in it.
Ultimately, Chancel Mbemba, DR Congo’s captain, coolly converted the decisive penalty, sealing victory.
The Fallout
The loss means Nigeria will not participate in the 2026 World Cup.
For DR Congo, it’s a lifeline: they now advance to the intercontinental playoff tournament scheduled for March 2026 in Mexico (Guadalajara and Monterrey), where two places at the World Cup will be decided.
It’s particularly bitter for Nigeria because this is the second successive World Cup they have missed, having also failed to qualify for the 2022 edition.
Their campaign was further hampered when Victor Osimhen, their star striker, was forced off early in the second half due to injury — a blow to Nigeria’s attacking potency.
What had started so well — an early lead, momentum from the Gabon win — unraveled. DR Congo’s disciplined, physical approach paid off, especially late in the match and in the shootout. Nigeria, meanwhile, is left rueing missed chances, key injuries, and those fateful penalty misses.
