Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup were shattered on Sunday night after the Super Eagles fell 4–3 on penalties to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in a tense CAF World Cup qualification playoff final in Rabat, Morocco. The match had ended 1–1 after extra time.
The heartbreaking defeat means Nigeria will miss a second consecutive World Cup, having also failed to qualify for the 2022 edition in Qatar. The result sends the DRC’s Leopards into the intercontinental playoffs in March, keeping their World Cup aspirations alive.
The Super Eagles made the perfect start, taking the lead in the 4th minute when Frank Onyeka’s shot took a deflection and sailed past the DRC goalkeeper. But defensive indecision proved costly in the 32nd minute, as Meschak Elia punished Nigeria’s error by slotting home the equalizer from close range.
Despite periods of dominance, Nigeria’s attacking threat diminished significantly after star forward Victor Osimhen was substituted at halftime. The match remained locked at 1–1 through regular time and a tense 30 minutes of extra time, with the DRC having a goal ruled out for a foul in the buildup.
The penalties brought even more tension. Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali produced two crucial saves to keep the Super Eagles in contention, but the team faltered from the spot. Costly misses — including Calvin Bassey sending his effort over the bar — ultimately proved decisive.
The DRC held their nerve to convert the winning kick, sealing a 4–3 shootout victory and eliminating Nigeria from the race to the 2026 World Cup.
For the Super Eagles, the defeat marks another painful chapter in recent qualification setbacks — and leaves the team facing serious questions about its future direction
