By Akeem Oduyoye
The Super Eagles’ journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup came to a painful end on Sunday in Rabat, Morocco, after DR Congo defeated Nigeria on penalties to reach the intercontinental playoff.
The match, played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, ended 1–1 after extra time before DR Congo won the shootout 4–3, dashing Nigeria’s hopes of returning to the global tournament.
The defeat means Nigeria will miss the World Cup for the second straight time, while DR Congo now move forward with a chance to secure one of the final tickets to the expanded 48-team competition. The tightly contested game saw both sides fight for every opportunity, but the Congolese team proved more clinical when it mattered most.
Nigeria started brightly, taking the lead in the third minute through Frank Onyeka. However, DR Congo hit back in the 32nd minute when M. Elia finished off a quick move to level the score. Both teams created moments of danger as the game stretched into extra time, with Tolu Arokodare heading wide for Nigeria and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali stopping a threatening free kick from the Congolese side.
The shootout brought even more tension. Although Nwabali saved DR Congo’s first attempt, Nigeria could not maintain the advantage. Caleb Bassey and Moses Simon failed to convert their kicks, while Akor Adams kept the team alive briefly. DR Congo eventually scored their fourth penalty, sealing the result and leaving Nigeria behind at 4–3.
Before reaching the final, Nigeria had produced a strong 4–1 comeback win over Gabon in extra time during Thursday’s semi-final. DR Congo also earned their spot with a narrow 1–0 win over Cameroon the same day. Both sides arrived in Rabat with high confidence, but only one could move on.
The Leopards will now await their playoff opponent as they continue their push to return to the World Cup. For Nigeria, the loss ends a campaign filled with hope but concluded in disappointment, as the Super Eagles once again fall short of the world stage.
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