Nigeria’s long and difficult road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup came to a crushing halt on Sunday night as the Super Eagles fell 4–3 on penalties to DR Congo in a dramatic CAF play-off final in Rabat. After a tense 1–1 draw stretched across 120 exhausting minutes, Nigeria’s fate was sealed from the spot, leaving the three-time African champions out of the World Cup for the second consecutive time.
The night had begun with hope. Frank Onyeka’s third-minute opener, a sweeping team move finished with precision, suggested Nigeria were ready to seize their moment. But instead of collapsing, DR Congo settled, pressed higher, and punished a defensive lapse in the 32nd minute when Meschack Elia pounced to make it 1–1.
From then on, the match became a nerve-wracking contest of half-chances, last-ditch defending and missed opportunities. Stanley Nwabali kept Nigeria alive with a string of crucial saves, including a spectacular extra-time stop to deny Chancel Mbemba at the death. But the Super Eagles failed to convert their own chances, with substitute Tolu Arokodare heading wide from point-blank range, a moment that could have changed everything.
With both sides deadlocked, penalties became inevitable. What followed was a roller-coaster of tension. Nigeria stumbled immediately after Calvin Bassey blasted over and Moses Simon saw his effort saved. Nwabali dragged his team back into it with two brilliant stops, but the reprieve was temporary.
In sudden death, Semi Ajayi’s low effort was kept out by Timothy Fayulu, handing DR Congo the decisive advantage. Captain Chancel Mbemba stepped forward for the Congolese, firing his penalty into the roof of the net to seal a historic triumph and break Nigerian hearts.
For Nigeria, the result marks another painful chapter, a talented squad missing the World Cup for the second straight edition, raising fresh questions about the team’s direction, rebuilding process, and long-term planning heading into the next cycle. DR Congo, meanwhile, march on to the intercontinental playoffs with belief and momentum on their side.
