Nigeria’s quest to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup came to a painful end on Sunday after the Super Eagles were eliminated by DR Congo in a nail-biting penalty shootout at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
The defeat ends Nigeria’s World Cup hopes and marks the second straight tournament the Super Eagles will miss, deepening the heartbreak for fans across the country.
The intense encounter finished 1–1 after 120 minutes of regulation and extra time. Nigeria took an early lead through Frank Onyeka in the third minute, but DR Congo responded in the 32nd minute when Meschack Elia levelled the score.
Both teams pushed for a winner in extra time—Tolu Arokodare came close with a missed header, while goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali produced a crucial save to deny DR Congo from a dangerous free kick. But neither side could find the breakthrough.
The drama continued into the penalty shootout. Nigeria’s Calvin Bassey and Moses Simon missed crucial early attempts, while Nwabali kept hopes alive by saving DR Congo’s first kick. Akor Adams converted to keep Nigeria in contention, but the Leopards held their nerve. Goals from Sadique and, later, the decisive fourth penalty sealed a 4–3 victory for DR Congo.
The result sends DR Congo into the intercontinental playoff, where they will battle for one of the final places in the expanded 48-team World Cup taking place in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Both sides had reached the final after dramatic semi-finals on Thursday—Nigeria defeating Gabon 4–1 in extra time at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium, while DR Congo edged Cameroon 1–0 at Al Barid Stadium.
With the win, the Leopards continue their journey toward a potential World Cup return, while the Super Eagles’ campaign concludes in disappointment once again.
