Nigeria’s quest for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup came to a painful end in Rabat on Sunday night as DR Congo defeated the Super Eagles 4 to 3 on penalties after a 1 to 1 draw in regulation and extra time.
The African play-off final delivered tension from the first whistle. Nigeria made a bright start and took the lead in the third minute through Frank Onyeka, whose low effort from the edge of the box deflected off Axel Tuanzebe and wrong-footed goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi.
The early goal lifted the Nigerian side and pushed DR Congo back into their half.
The Leopards gradually settled into the contest and began to threaten on the break through Theo Bongonda and Cédric Bakambu. Their response arrived in the thirty-second minute after Wilfred Ndidi lost possession in midfield.
Meschack Elia reacted quickly, raced through on goal and slotted past Stanley Nwabali to bring the game level.
Both teams pushed for control from that point. Nigeria tried to create rhythm through Alex Iwobi and the wings, while DR Congo stayed compact and organised, relying on quick transitions.
Victor Osimhen twice came close to restoring Nigeria’s lead, first with a header that drifted wide and later with a shot smothered by Mpasi. At the opposite end, Bakambu forced Nwabali into a save from distance.
Extra time brought more caution than chances as fatigue set in for both sides. The defenders on each team kept their shape, denying any clear opening and leaving the decisive moment to the penalty shootout.
Nigeria and DR Congo converted their early kicks, but pressure eventually told. The Super Eagles missed at a crucial moment and the Leopards seized the advantage. Captain Chancel Mbemba stepped up for DR Congo’s final kick and sent his effort calmly into the net to seal the victory.
The result means DR Congo advance to the inter-confederation play-off scheduled for March 2026 in Mexico. It marks another major step for the Leopards, who last reached the World Cup in 1974 when they competed as Zaire.
For Nigeria, a seventh appearance at the global finals slips away. The team will look back on a strong start that did not translate into control, and missed chances before and after DR Congo’s equaliser. Their campaign ends despite a spirited display and long spells of territorial play.
