Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup ended on Sunday night after the Super Eagles lost 5–4 on penalties to DR Congo in the CAF Playoff Final in Rabat.
The match had ended 1–1 after 120 minutes at the Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium.
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Nigeria made a strong start and opened the scoring in the 3rd minute when Zaidu Sanusi’s low cross found Frank Onyeka, whose shot deflected off Arthur Masuaku into the net.
The Super Eagles continued to dominate the early stages, with chances falling to Wilfred Ndidi and Samuel Chukwueze, while Victor Osimhen also threatened from the right flank.
DR Congo equalised in the 32nd minute. A midfield turnover allowed Cedric Bakambu to release Meshack Elia, who finished calmly past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. The goal shifted momentum, and the Leopards controlled the tempo heading into the break.
Nigeria suffered a setback when Osimhen failed to return for the second half due to injury. Despite this, the Super Eagles created key moments, including a vital save from Nwabali in the 53rd minute and a late effort from Tolu Arokodare that went narrowly over in extra time.
The match proceeded to penalties after neither side found a breakthrough in 120 minutes. Jerome Akor, Chidera Ejuke and Bruno Onyemaechi scored their kicks for Nigeria, but the Super Eagles missed three: Calvin Bassey and Moses Simon failed to convert, and Semi Ajayi’s sudden-death effort was saved.
DR Congo scored their next kick to seal victory and advance to the Intercontinental Playoff in Mexico.
Nigeria, who had fought back strongly after a difficult qualifying campaign, now miss out on a second consecutive World Cup.
